Stormwater treatment in densely-built cities - an overlooked challenge

Untreated urban discharges severely affect receiving water bodies. Thus, stormwater treatment facilities are increasingly installed.

However, implementation in central urban areas remains challenging due to lack of scientific evidence of the function of compact treatment facilities, lack of space and competing land use requirements.

This is a serious threat for the environment since dense urban areas often contribute with considerable emissions.Thus, in this co-developed project, MittSverige Vatten och Avfall (MSVA) in Sundsvall and Urban Water Engineering at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) will jointly explore the need of further research and practical experience using the following activities:a) workshops to understand the need for stormwater treatment in central areas and the main challenges for stakeholders,b) a scientific literature study identifying the state of the art and research needs,c) investigation of a pilot facility in central Sundsvall,d) a system analysis include both environmental-technical and sustainability/socio-economic aspects.The project will result in a needs analysis and based thereon, co-developed proposals for funding of research and innovation projects.

This will enable research and innovation projects targeting implementation of stormwater treatment in dense, existing urban areas.

Thus, it contributes to achieving inter alia SDG 6, 9, 11, several Swedish Environmental Quality Criteria and the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.