A life for the water industry: Koller is retiring

A life for the water industry: Koller is retiring

There are people whose work remains behind the scenes but is still of immense value to society. One such personality is Walter Koller, who recently entered his well-deserved retirement after working in the water management sector for over four decades. Koller, who completed his training in structural engineering at the HTL Villach, began his career in the private sector in 1981 and moved to the state service in 1989 to serve his home region in the Gailtal. He became part of a twelve-person team at the state hydraulic engineering yard in Hermagor, which was supported by 16 other employees. Under his co-responsibility, numerous important projects, such as dam renovations and river section protection, were realized.

The flood years 1993, 1996, 2003 and 2018 were particularly challenging, in which Koller actively contributed to limiting the damage. His work is also a response to the increasing flood risks that are increasing in this country and around the world. As Statista notes, floods are the most common natural disasters, accounting for almost 37 percent of all natural disasters since 2000.

Honor for services to the water industry

In July 2025, Koller was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria for his outstanding achievements. The ceremonial award took place in the Hall of Mirrors of the Carinthian state government; Governor Peter Kaiser and several members of the state parliament were present. In his acceptance speech, Koller emphasized the importance of cooperation between different departments and expressed his thanks to the state of Carinthia for the many years of trusting cooperation.

A notable aspect of his career is his belief that water management is more than just a job – for him, it is “just a hobby.” This shows how passionately Koller pursues his task and how seriously he takes the responsibility for the security of his home region. His long-time superior, DI Hannes Poglitsch, praised Koller as a technically experienced and collegial employee whose specialist knowledge has made a decisive contribution to water management in Carinthia.

Looking back at the flood events

Flood events are not only an urgent problem in Austria. Many countries across Europe, such as Germany, are also confronted with the challenge. For example, the floods in 2021 caused unimaginable damage in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, such disasters often have devastating consequences, and the floods in the Gailtal were also not without consequences. High rainfall can cause water in rivers and lakes to swell, increasing the risk of flooding. Global warming, which according to Statista can store more water in the atmosphere, is also contributing to the increase in such events.

The importance of flood protection and sustainable planning is undeniable. Concerns about reconstruction in vulnerable areas have become increasingly louder in recent years. In his many years in hydraulic engineering, Koller also contributed to making our region safer before he now retires. He looks back on his time with satisfaction and can proudly say that he made an important contribution to safety in the Gailtal and beyond.