STORMWATER: taajaman hulevesihaasteiden ratkaisut ja liiketoimintamahdollisuudet

It is well established that urban systems are characterized by anomalies in ecosystem processes, such as hydrological cycles and nutrient dynamics. Increasing amounts of sealed, impermeable surfaces in urban settings, together with the predicted increase in precipitation due to climate change is likely to further diverge urban ecosystem processes from those in natural systems. The aim of this project is split to two parts: one with “theoretical” and the other with applied goals. First, we explore whether the quantity and quality of urban run-off water (stormwater) can be used to indicate the disturbance status of a given urban drainage basin area. We also study – using a large-scale lysimeter field station – the potential of typical urban soils to purify and detoxify urban stormwater. Second, we aim at overcoming urban hydrological challenges by developing new, sustainable solutions to urban drainage. This is done in cooperation with municipalities and local water plants.

Our results show that both the quantity and quality (such as concentration of nutrients and heavy metals) of urban stormwater is strictly controlled by the intensity of land use (e.g. the proportion of soils that are impermeable to water) in urban catchment areas. Consequently, by studying urban hydrological cycles and the associated nutrient dynamics we can get a reliable estimate of the disturbance status of a given area. This information, in concert with the findings from the lysimeter station, can be applied when planning sustainable, healthy cities.

The project participants are: the Department of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University of Technology, and Lahti Science and Business Park Ltd. Pilot areas will be provided by Lahti Aqua Ltd, the City of Kouvola, and Hollola Municipality. The main funding is provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).