1. Project background
Project name: LIFE IP Rich Waters (LIFE15 IPE/SE/015)
Implementation: 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2025
Total budget: € 31,530,524
EU-funding: € 9,736,678
Sector: The Water Framework Directive, Management Plan and Action Plan for the North Baltic Sea Water District
Coordinating partner: The County Administrative Board of Västmanland County (LSTU)
Partner organisations: The County Administrative Boards of Stockholm (LSTAB), Södermanland (LSTD), Uppsala (LSTC), Örebro (LSTT), Dalarna (LSTW), Norrbotten (LSTBD), Västernorrland (LSTY), Kalmar (LSTH) and Västra Götaland (LSTO), Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (HAV), Swedish Board of Agriculture (JVE), Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL), Hjälmaren Water Conservation Association (HJÄLM), Lake Mälaren Water Conservation Association (MÄVA), Nyköping Rivers Water Conservation Association (NYV), municipalities of Uppsala (UPP), Heby (HEB), Katrineholm (KAT), Stockholm (STO), Enköping (ENK), Upplands Väsby (UPV), Västerås (VÄS), Älvkarleby (ÄLV), Örebro (ÖRE), Östhammar (ÖST) and Sollentuna (SOL), WBAB Wessman Barken Vatten & Återvinning AB (SMED), Mälarenergi AB (MÄL), Mälarenergi Vattenkraft AB (MEN), Bioremed AB (BIOR), Ecopelag non-profit association (SEA), Julmyra Horse Center AB (JUL).
1.1 Geographic area: Northern Baltic Sea River Basin District
1.2 Obectives
Contributing to the full implementation of the RBMP, striving for good status of all waters
- Mobilise capacity and resources to implement concrete measures
- Increase common knowledge among all target groups, to improve the efficiency of the implementation of the water districts’ management plans
- Stimulate and inspire more efforts through “showcase measures” and high-impact actions
- Reduce nutrient loads, environmental pollution, and migration barriers
- Increase cost-effectiveness by improving the capacity of new technologies and innovative solutions
2. Results
This section gives examples of results related to the five specific objectives.
2.1 Mobilise capacity and resources to implement concrete measures
Physical actions: Within the context of the project, we have built water parks and fauna passages, developed technology for mussel farming and the purification of environmental toxins using willow, and restored eutrophicated lakes through aluminium treatment and low-flow dredging technology. Through detailed documentation of processes, follow-up of the results, and the dissemination of good examples, we have made it easier for others to apply for funding and implement similar initiatives. We also know more about the positive effects that actions to improve water can have on ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and the local economy.
Policy instruments: LIFE IP Rich Waters has contributed to the policy measures in the Action Plan for the North Baltic Sea Water District, thereby contributing to better Swedish compliance with the Water Framework Directive. Our evaluation shows that together, its sub-projects have contributed to the implementation of 26 of the 76 policy measures in the Action Plan. These are measures for which central authorities, county administrative boards and municipalities are responsible.
Complementary projects actions: An important part of the EU’s integrated LIFE project is to mobilise more resources for environmental work. By the end of 2023, LIFE IP Rich Waters had helped mobilise over €90,000,000 in so-called complementary projects actions – projects that are somehow tied to or have benefited from our work. At the time of the report, the complementary actions that are a direct result of Rich Waters together contributed to a load reduction of an estimated 2,780 kilogrammes of phosphorus and 1,090 kilogrammes of nitrogen per year and have created 3.6 kilometres of free migration routes for fish in the district’s waterways. Since then, the number of complementary actions has more than doubled.
Capacity development: The project has led to increased capacity and knowledge among many of those whose daily work involves improving Sweden’s waters. Over the years, more than 150 people have directly contributed to the work of LIFE IP Rich Waters. Many hundreds more have participated in our training courses, seminars, conferences, study visits, and other events.
2.2 Increase common knowledge among all target groups, to improve the efficiency of the implementation of River Basin District management plans
Several sub-projects developed methods that can be used to plan measures, assess which ones are most cost-effective, and develop tools to ensure that the right action is implemented in the right place – where it is most beneficial. Within the context of efforts to remediate environmental toxins, the project has contributed several major studies of Lake Mälaren and other lakes. As a result of these studies, we now have better knowledge of the substances found in sediments, water and fish and can trace the sources of pollution. When it comes to eutrophication from internal loading, the project developed a completely new tool to assess whether a measure is necessary and, if so, which measure is the most appropriate.
LIFE IP Rich Waters has placed great emphasis on compiling and disseminating the knowledge produced, both within Sweden and to other countries in Europe. To this end, we have not only published reports and articles about our work, but we have also arranged numerous seminars, webinars, conferences and study visits. The events have also created opportunities for establishing new contacts and networks.
2.3 Stimulate and inspire more efforts through showcase measures and high impact actions
The project has contributed with physical actions measures of different types and scopes.
What these projects have in common is that they have had a major impact and can serve as instructive examples for others. Some projects, such as the fauna passage established in central Västerås by the City of Västerås and Mälarenergi, or the multifunctional water parks in Västerås, Uppsala and Smedjebacken, have been well-visited by both members of the public and employees of municipalities and other relevant organisations. In other cases, new methods to reduce the nutrient load in lakes and coastal waters have been developed.
- 1 stormwater pond in an urban environment
- 3 multifunctional water parks to purify water, increase biodiversity, and create recreational opportunities
- 2 lake restorations using different techniques (aluminium treatment and low-flow dredging)
- 1 mussel farming pilot project aimed at reducing phosphorus loads in coastal waters
- 1 pilot project involving willow cultivation to clean up a contaminated area
- 2 fauna passages in urban environments
- 2 fauna passages for hydropower adaptation
- 1 hull cleaning/Boat bottom wash
- 1 exhibition environment on a horse farm for actions against eutrophication
- 1 demonstration loop for agricultural actions
2.4 Reduce nutrient loads, environmental pollution, and migration barriers
Naturally, the work of LIFE IP Rich Water has had direct environmental effects, among them reduced loads of nutrients and environmental pollutants in the water and greater opportunities to create and preserve biodiversity and free migration routes for fish. But at the same time, many of the actions measures and initiatives undertaken as part of the project are of a long-term nature, and it will be some time before we see their full impact on the environment.
2.5 Increase cost-effectiveness by improving the capacity of new technologies and innovative solutions
Sometimes we need to develop new, innovative solutions to solve environmental problems. This work is often difficult to achieve as part of regular operations, such as those of a municipality. The type of project and funding from the EU have made it possible to test new actions and develop established technologies. Within the context of LIFE IP Rich Waters, we have been able to implement and evaluate techniques for mussel farming in coastal waters, low-flow dredging to return nutrient-rich sediments to land, and fast-growing willow plants as a way to remediate contaminated soil. In another example, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has been able to test and evaluate the use of sensors to obtain high-frequency data, in order to gain better knowledge of how water quality is affected by different flows.
2.6 The value of investing in water
Actions to improve the aquatic environment can have positive effects for society as a whole. When LIFE IP Rich Waters asked a consultant to analyse the social and economic impact of the project, it became clear that the project’s water improvement measures had many benefits.
Increased employment: many actions measures are taken done by entrepreneurs and can stimulate the local labour market.
Well-being and health: better aquatic environments have a direct effect on our well-being. Considering accessibility and user-friendliness in the design of measures can benefit outdoor and recreational values.
Industry development: Investing in innovation and new technology, can boost the development of various industries and lead to new similar projects.
PR: Investments in the aquatic environment can help create a positive image of municipalities and companies.
Positive actions measures become concrete examples of what sustainability work really is all about. This generates greater understanding and motivation for implementing similar initiatives in the future. In conclusion, there is a flood of great arguments for investing in water improvement measures, even if they may sometimes be perceived as expensive.
3. After-LIFE plan and objectives
The main objective of this After-LIFE plan is to ensure sustainability of project results and further ripple-effects. The After-LIFE plan clarifies activities, roles and responsibilities in ensuring continued impact of the project. It has been developed through workshops at full partner meetings and through dialogues with partners in connection to the final reporting period.
After-LIFE objectives and activities can be found in the following broad areas:
Maintaining physical measures: Constructed measures, such as multifunctional waterparks and fauna passages will be maintained and continue to serve as good examples and inspiration.
Continued monitoring of effectiveness of measures: All but one of the physical measures carried out within LIFE IP Rich waters will continue to be monitored for their effectiveness by the partners in charge after the end of project. As a result, the understanding of the actual environmental impacts of the project will grow over the years following its completion.
Continued knowledge sharing and exchange: The networks created in the project will be managed by different partners to ensure sustainability.
Uptake and integration of project results into policy making, including forthcoming RBMP-cycles
Continued use and development of project results, such as handbooks and decision-making tools.
Availability of documentation of results and lessons learned on www.richwaters.se
The following pages give a thematic analysis of After-LIFE plans and activities.
3.1 Municipal water planning
During the LIFE IP Rich Waters project, the County Administrative Board of Stockholm County (LSTAB) has supported municipalities that want to improve their strategic water planning. Most importantly, LSTAB developed a Handbook for Strategic Municipal Water Planning, based on municipal experiences. The handbook has already been used by many municipalities, as well as by county administrative boards in their efforts to support their municipalities through advice and training. Within this thematic area, two municipalities (Sollentuna and Enköping) have developed their own water planning and documented the process as good examples for others. These examples have been widely shared with other municipalities and evaluation reports are available.
Support for municipal water planning is increasingly in demand since the RBMP PoM includes a new requirement for such planning. The support function maintained by LSTAB within LIFE IP Rich Waters should therefore be sustained.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- Support for municipal water planning will continue through a dedicated website, www.vattenplanering.se. The website includes all content from the Handbook, as well as templates, guidelines and inspirational examples of municipal water planning. The website is hosted by LSTAB, which will also continue the promotion and development of the support function.
- Well documented examples of municipal water planning processes, including lessons learned, are available at www.richwaters.se
- Water preservation associations MÄVA, NVVF and HJÄLM continues to promote the use of the Handbook and include it in contacts and trainings for municipality staff and politicians.
- The handbook for water planning developed within action C2.1 will be continuously evaluated and updated. The water plans developed in action C2.2 and C2.3 will be evaluated every term of office to decide whether a revision is needed.
3.2 Climate and water
During the LIFE IP Rich Waters project, the County Administrative Boards of Västmanland, Stockholm, Västra Götaland and the Swedish University of Agricultural science have developed various methods and guidelines for identifying suitable areas to channel overflow, thereby reducing flood risks while promoting good water quality and enhancing ecosystem services related to flooding. In a risk analysis of Lake Mälaren, climate change and environmental toxins have been highlighted as the largest threats. Mälaren Water Conservation Association has carried out work to increase knowledge about the effects climate change can be expected to have on freshwater systems.
A method was developed to demonstrate the added value and socio-economic benefits of water measures. The fauna passage at Turbinbron (action C16) is a good example of synergies created in removing a migration barrier, highlighting the cultural environment and obtaining a technical solution that will withstand centennial rain.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- In a web-based guide, concrete tips are given on how maps and various GIS layers can be used to assess risks of flooding and to prioritize the supervision of contaminated areas. The web-based guide remain available through a well-established database (the MIFO database) for officials at municipalities and county administrative boards who work with contaminated areas.
- Mälaren Water Conservation Association will continue to carry out competence-enhancing work. A follow-up conference is planned in autumn 2025 with a focus on climate adaptation measures.
- In an ongoing complementary action, ”Puddlejump”, knowledge and GIS layers are developed to show where in the landscape measures that reduce flood risk should be implemented to give least negative impact and the most effect. More project applications are underway, with a focus on connecting actors responsible for social protection, water and food supply, and the environment.
3.3 Eutrophication from agriculture
In LIFE IP Rich Waters, policy instruments to decrease eutrophication from agriculture have been analyzed and evaluated. This work has resulted in a better dialog and understanding between stakeholders. Planning tools for farmers and catchment officers are crucial to ensure measures are implemented in the optimal place. The method of water management plans has been developed in action C6, to help farmers and horse keepers to identify and prioritize cost-effective measures. The methods are published and available to advisors, farmers and horse keepers. High-resolution maps have been developed by SLU with information regarding erosion risk, nutrient transport, wetlands placement, size and efficiency. Other tools that have been developed are sensor-based monitoring systems and a prototype for communication about mitigation measures. Action C7 has developed actions plans with relevant stakeholders for the areas of for example Hågaån, Kilaån, Sagån, Lillån and Vibybäcken as a basis for implementation of measures.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- The high-resolution maps developed by SLU in C8 have gained funding to scale up and cover the whole country. Decision support tools will be further developed within new research projects (Puddle Jump, Nordbalt ECOSAFE).
- NYV has together with WWF initiated the project BaltCOP financed by Interreg Central Baltic (CA no. 118). The project aims to reduce nutrient loading in several countries around the Baltic Sea and to further develop methods for local catchment approach that has been used in action C7.
- The Swedish Board of Agriculture has a funding initiative for pilot projects to implement and evaluate the method of water management plans for catchment areas developed in action C6.
- A project application was developed and submitted by the horse industry to increase knowledge about the environmental impact of horses and the need to reduce nutrient leakage from horse farms.
- The demonstration site established at Brunnby Farm describing different types of measures to reduce eutrophication will be maintained by the City of Västerås and Hushållningssällskapet.
- IVL has applied the knowledge and lessons learned from action C9 to four complementary actions that explore various methods of monitoring stormwater, including the SCOREwater project (CA no.121).
3.4 Internal loading
LIFE IP Rich Waters has developed a handbook (Handbook – a decision support tool for measures against internal phosphorus loading in lakes) to support the assessment and decision-making process regarding measures to combat the internal loading of phosphorus in lakes. The handbook was published in April 2023 and is Sweden’s first comprehensive decision-making tool for addressing internal loading. It presents a four-step method for assessing whether a body of water is internally loaded. It also includes descriptions of possible measures and information regarding costs and funding opportunities. Measures to combat internal loading are often quite expensive and require extensive research and preparation. We need to be able to make better assessments of which lakes require remediation and, if so, which measures are most appropriate. The handbook, published by HAV, will continue to support regional authorities, municipalities and water associations to determine if internal loading is a problem and if so, what type of measure that is appropriate.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- The Handbook on internal loading is a well-known tool and is available for download from the HAV website. The method for assessing internal loading has already been used throughout the country.
- Documented lessons learned and detailed descriptions of the process applied for best practice measure (aluminium treatment in Lake Norrviken) and for new circular method (low-flow dredging in Lake Öljaren).
- In Lake Öljaren, low flow dredging will continue for some time with other funding after LIFE IP Rich Waters has ended. Sampling and analysis will take place after the project period according to the developed monitoring program.
- Monitoring in Lake Norrviken will continue after end of project. A monitoring program (within Oxunda Vattensamverkan) for 2022-2025 is in place. The monitoring will be financed by Sollentuna and Upplands Väsby municipalities.
- The mussel farms in the Baltic Sea will continue monitoring of settlement and biomass, nutrient content and environmental effects of the mussel farms. The intent is to cover all future costs with revenues from the harvested mussels.
3.5 Multifunctional water parks
During the LIFE IP Rich Waters the Municipality of Uppsala, the City of Västerås and the Municipality of Smedjebacken have established multifunctional water parks. The water parks in Uppsala and Västerås purify stormwater before it reaches Lake Mälaren. In Smedjebacken, the water park serves as an additional purification step for already-treated wastewater.
Through a system of ponds, the water parks capture nutrients and heavy metals before the water flows further into the lake. The parks also serve as recreation areas and as show cases for municipalities and other actors that want to implement similar projects.
The parks also function as a place for enhanced biological diversity. Amphibians and birds are attracted by the water. The parks have nesting boxes for birds and sand piles for bees, and the areas attract for example bats, dragonflies and swallows.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- The multifunctional parks in Uppsala and Västerås are appreciated recreation areas and will be managed and maintained in regular functions in the municipalities.
- For the water park in Uppsala a monitoring programme of relevant indicators has been set and will continue after end of project. The monitoring will be handled by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The municipality continue to host study visits.
- Mälarenergi AB and Västerås municipality continue to monitor of the purification by sampling and analysis of relevant parameters in incoming and outgoing water. They will also monitor the progress of biodiversity.
- The water park in Smedjebacken will be part of the sewage treatment plant’s regular operations. The degree of purification will be monitored continuously after end of project. Results and lessons learned will be disseminated to other organisations and staff will be able to host study visits. The maintenance will be done by staff at the municipality and WBAB.
3.6 Connectivity
The county administrative boards of Västmanland, Örebro, Södermanland, Stockholm and Uppsala have worked together to increase collaboration across county borders, create consensus and dialogue between different interests, and produce better data for prioritising actions. The project has compiled information on more than 40 implemented measures in which dams have been removed. This compilation provides an overview of cost items and factors that influence the total cost. The selected cases include various dam types and designs. Overall, the case studies provide a good picture of what it costs to replace a dam with a rapids environment or a lake outlet, as well as what factors play a role in keeping costs down. Västerås municipality has built two fauna passages in central Västerås. The projects showed that is possible to combine measures for fauna passages with cultural heritage interests. Mälarenergi has constructed two fauna passages at two of its hydropower plants. These four physical examples now serve as models for how fauna passages can be built and function, both in urban areas and at a hydropower plant.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- Well documented examples of measures for migration obstacles, including lessons learned, are available at www.richwaters.se. There are also links to other reports and a film produced within the project.
- Mälarenergi AB and Västerås municipality continue to have the responsibility of the four physical measures, including monitoring. Their staff will be able to host study visits. Västerås municipality oversees operations and maintenance of the fish camera. The County Administrative Board of Västmanland will continue regular electrofishing and fish roe inventory on annual basis.
- Mälarenergi will continue monitoring of fish population using fish counters as well as performing mussel and fish egg inventory in the rivers Hedströmmen and Rällsälv. The results will be useful in the ongoing revision of hydro power environmental permits. Regular staff at Mälarenergi will be responsible for carrying out these tasks.
- Mälaren Water Conservation Association will manage the network that has been created with various stakeholders for continued exchange of experiences and professional development among municipalities primarily.
3.7 Environmental pollutants
Five county administrative boards, Stockholm municipality and Mälaren Water Conservation have taken samples, conducted analyses, and traced the sources of emissions. Such data is necessary to ensure that the right measures are implemented where they are most useful. Measurements have for example revealed that the waters of marinas often are contaminated with high levels of the endocrine disrupting substance TBT, used in antifouling paint. At the request of local boat owners and boat clubs, Västerås municipality set up a boat hull cleaning station. To move forward in this effort, a network was created to share experiences and create consensus on issues relating to environmental toxins tied to recreational boating activities in the municipalities around Lake Mälaren.
Älvkarleby Municipality and Bioremed AB have planted fast-growing Salix trees to remediate the contaminated area. The first two harvests show that the roots, stems and leaves of the willows absorb heavy metals and toxic substances – including PFAS. The plants purify both the soil and the leachate.
Main After LIFE-actions:
- Pollutants will be monitored within the regional environmental monitoring and within control programs. The increased knowledge generated, for example the presence of certain types of pollutants, has been used for status classification.
- A network focusing on PFAS around lake Mälaren has been established, including several participating organisations from LIFE IP Rich Waters but also other relevant stakeholders.
- An Interreg Central Baltic-project has been approved, focusing on continuing and developing sampling PFAS, methods for removal and support to municipalities in their work to detect and remove PFAS.
- The Salix plantation in Älvkarleby will be harvested every three years following the continuation of the remediation process until 2039 or until it is no longer needed. The landfill area will be open for study visits. Älvkarleby municipality and Bioremed will continue to monitor pollutants in the water from the landfill, in the irrigation water and in stream to control that there is no leakage from the landfill. This will be financed by regular operations.
- The boat hull cleaning station in Västerås will be maintained and a network on toxic antifouling paint will be further developed around Lake Mälaren.
4. After-LIFE communication plan
The After-LIFE communication plan is integrated into the overall After-LIFE plan. This section explains how results and lessons learned will remain available and be further disseminated after the end of the project period.
4.1 Physical measures (demonstration sites)
Many of the physical measures implemented by the project will remain as inspiration and demonstration sites for the future.
Examples:
Multifunctional water parks in Västerås, Uppsala and Smedjebacken: These already popular recreational parks will be maintained by the partners involved. Information signs ensure that visitors understand the different functions of the dams and the measures for biodiversity.
Responsibility: VÄS, UPP, SMED, MÄL
Fauna passages in central Västerås: These passages are centrally located and popular spots for inhabitants and tourists. The information signs explain the purpose of the construction, the importance of free migration passages for fish and are illustrated with typical species that benefit from the measures.
Responsibility: MEN, VÄS
Fauna passages in Östtuna and Rällsälv: While these passages are open for visits by the general public, they will mainly continue to serve as good examples and inspiration for hydro power companies and municipalities. Information signs are installed at both locations.
Responsibility: MEN
4.2 Documentation of implementation processes, lessons learned and results
All project actions have documented results as well as the implementation processes, including lessons learned and budget considerations. These final project reports are published on the Rich Waters website (see below) and will remain available at least until 2031. Responsibility: LSTU
Examples:
Environmentally friendly removal of phosphorus-rich sediment from Lake Öljaren and re-using it as fertiliser in agriculture (final report C12)
Experiences and results of the building of two fauna passages in a city environment (final report C16)
Stopping internal phosphorus leaking – a full lake treatment in Norrviken (final report C13)
4.3 Other publications and resources
LIFE IP Rich Waters has developed several reports which are not directly linked to results of the different actions. These contain valuable insights and knowledge on relevant aspects.
Examples:
Social and economic effects of water related measures: Two evaluation reports including a thorough methodology for assessing and evaluating ecosystem services and other effects of common water measures.
Overcoming conflicts of interest: Guide for organising field visits to create consensus between environmental and cultural interests at barriers for fish migration.
Most important collaborations within LIFE IP Rich Waters: Network analysis based on in-depth interviews which networks have been created and how they will be maintaind after end of project.
Creating ripples on the water: Result and lessons learned of complementary action development
4.4 Communication material
Through LIFE IP Rich Waters, a great number of communication support materials have been developed, including infographics, films and presentations. These remain available for partners to use in their communication activities. All video material is kept on the project’s YouTube channel. Responsibility: LSTU
Examples:
Animated infographic on strategic municipal water planning, which can be used in training courses
Short film on measures on agricultural land and the demonstration site at Brunnby gård, re-purposed by the Swedish Board of Agriculture
Film with local politicians “Water – at the heart of politics”
Online audio guide through measures in Kiladalen
Educational package with lessons plans and practical exercises for high school students on horses and eutrophication
4.5 Website and communication through parters
The LIFE IP Rich Waters website www.richwaters.se has been redesigned for the After-LIFE period and will remain online until at least 2031. The website has been structured as a thematic knowledge base on topics coved by the project. Each thematic section of the website contains articles explaining results, links to reports as well as photos, illustrations and video material. Responsibility: LSTU
Results are also available through partner organisations. In some cases, partners continue to host and develop tools and resources developed within the project.
Examples:
Animated infographic on strategic municipal water planning, which can be used in training courses. Hosted by LSTAB
Story map gathering information, measurements and data on PFAS. Hosted by LSTAB
Story map with tools and erosion maps supporting placement of measures in the landscape. Hosted by SLU
Website on municipal water planning. Hosted by LSTAB
5. After-LIFE plan per action
The table in this section includes a detailed description of how results of the different LIFE IP Rich Waters actions will be integrated into regular operations, maintained or further developed. It points to responsibilities and possible funding opportunities.
