Welcome to find support for water protection!
Welcome to finding information, examples and practical tips for water protection!
Tools for water protection is a web-based toolbox providing support for implementing water protection actions at local level. It is designed for professionals and experts who do concrete work, strategic planning or make decisions on water protection in cities, municipalities, companies, NGOs or other organisations. The Toolbox provides information and tools that assist with water protection. In addition to practical tips, tools and background information, in the Bank of Actions you can browse actions that local organisations have already implemented for the protection of local waters and the Baltic Sea – and you can also share your organisation’s own actions! This site was established in 2015 by the EU Life+ funded project CITYWATER, in collaboration with the Baltic Sea Challenge. The first tools are based on the results of the CITYWATER project. The site is now managed and updated by the Baltic Sea Challenge. More tools and actions are needed – please contact us and tell us about your ideas! Read more on page About us!
The Baltic Sea Challenge
Action at the local level is the key! Join the network and find ideas, examples, best practices and possibilities for collaboration.
Communication strategy
Find tips and guidelines on how to communicate the benefits of water protection efficiently to get your message through!
Cost-benefit analysis
Learn how the benefits of water protection can be assessed and compared to the costs of implementation!
Storm water solutions
Considering implementing sustainable storm water solutions? Read about solutions, tips and recommendations for practical work!
EXAMPLES OF WATER PROTECTION ACTIONS
Find inspiration and ideas in water protection actions implemented by the Baltic Sea Challenge network.
Browse the Bank of Actions!
Agriculture
Awareness raising
Hazardous materials
Littering etc.
Oil spill prevention
Research and monitoring
Shipping and boating
Stormwater management
Strategies and programs
Wastewater management
Other
Drainage basin
Aerator investment in Liepaja WWTP
Actor: Liepajas Udens (Liepaja Water) ● Year: 2015 ● Address: L?biešu iela 33 Riga, Latvia
The municipal company Liepaja Water invested in new aerators and a new PC-program in wastewater treatment plant during 2008–2010. 
Description
The municipal company Liepaja Water (Liepajas Udens) takes care of the sewerage system and wastewater treatment in the city of Liepaja, in addition to providing drinking water. Liepaja Water invested in the replacement of new aerators and new PC-program in 2008–2010. The main reason for replacing the three old aerators with five new ones was that there were many problems with the old aerators since 2002 and they were close to the end of their lifespan. Aerators are important equipment in the biological treatment process. Due to new technology of aerators also the PC-program that controls the whole process had to be replaced at the same time.
Benefits
The investment have reduced the nutrient loading to the sea in two ways. The new aerators provide improved aeration in the biological process and this increases the treatment efficiency in this phase of the process. In addition, the new program improves the controllability of the whole process due to less frequent bypass situations and other problems related to the controllability. Annually the nitrogen load is reduced by 18,000 kg N/y and phosphorus load by 1,000 kg P/y. In addition, the annual energy consumption was reduced by a third, 0.8 MWh/y, which provides also climate associated benefits and energy cost savings.
Depending on how the protection of the Baltic Sea develops in the future, the annual social benefit from nutrient reductions to the sea are 0.1–1.5 M€/y. When overall costs and benefits during the expected 15-year lifespan are summarised, the estimated net benefit of the investments is between 2.1 M€ and 18.6 M€. According to the results, this single investment in a WWTP seems to be worthwhile from both a global and local perspective.
Background information
The impacts and the net present value of this action were assessed in the cost-benefit analysis study conducted in the EU Life+ funded project CITYWATER. Further information of the study can be found from !
Further information
Web page: http://www.liepajas-udens.lv/
