Collaborative project wastewater preparedness

The collaborative project wastewater preparedness focuses on knowledge-sharing, scenario management, exercises and stress tests to strengthen local, regional and national sewerage preparedness. The project involves seven local authorities and municipal water and sewerage companies and RISE. The local authorities and water and sewerage companies are the stakeholders defining the needs and contributing with local perspectives. The composition of stakeholders ensures that multiple perspectives are included, resulting in a wider range of needs and circumstances being taken into account. This fosters broad and shared learning. Online seminars, workshops and in-person exercises are combined to strengthen efforts in wastewater preparedness.

GAP analyses and analyses of current states are used to identify shortcomings and areas for improvement in existing wastewater contingency planning. The focus is on strengthening planning and capacity, with a particular emphasis on emergency wastewater plans. The preparedness is tested through scenario analyses, exercises and stress tests, followed by analysis. To support effective work, standardised templates and practical guidance are developed, and communication is integrated as a central part of wastewater preparedness.

The project will establish a community of practice for learning, in which the exchange of experiences and shared learning contribute to the collective progress and development of work on sewage preparedness. 

The project strengthens civil defence by enhancing the capacity of municipalities and water and wastewater organisations to manage wastewater solutions in the event of a crisis, heightened alert or war. A functioning sewage system is crucial for maintaining hygiene, health and the functioning of essential societal services. Resilience and sustainability are strengthened at a local level, which contributes to reinforcing the civilian component of total defence.