Abstract
In 2009, the Bergaåsen Water Supply Scheme was put into operation to ensure the future drinking water supply of two municipalities in southern Sweden. Bergaåsen replaced two vulnerable water treatment plants. It was implemented in an environment that was characterized by sensitive recipients and limited access to water. This article aims to analyze how strategies were developed to meet sustainability requirements, if this solution has ensured good quantity and high quality after ten years of operation, and the extent of the project’s economic impact on consumers. The project was analyzed as an evidence-based case study using semi-structured interviews, surveys, and document analyses. The study found that the chosen options succeeded in guaranteeing outstanding quality and secure delivery. Over 90% of water users were satisfied and had trust in it, and less than 3% were dissatisfied. The design time for withdrawal capacity has been extended from 30 to 50 years through planned measures. The study clarifies also that, due to some externalities, there has been virtually no economic impact on users. Bergaåsen is a clear case for the value of developing long-term strategies and implementing them in real life.
Highlights
The quality of water resources for drinking water is not good everywhere, and in the case of surface water sources, these resources can quickly change in quality and quantity
The results showed that there were areas in which Växjö made improvements that were directly reflected in citizen answers in the survey
This study aimed to analyze the entire process of developing the future water supply (FWS) of the Växjö municipality as a case study to show how strategies could be developed and applied to meet sustainability requirements in long-term planning, to inspire other municipalities to develop their long-term strategies, and to show how a FWS project ensures water quality and quantity after ten years of operation
Summary
The quality of water resources for drinking water is not good everywhere, and in the case of surface water sources, these resources can quickly change in quality and quantity. These changes have been increasing with climate change through warmer water and increased occurrences of extreme weather, along with the risk of contamination [1]. Access to raw water for producing drinking water from both surface water and groundwater in Sweden is good in general. Half of Sweden’s lakes and streams do not meet the requirements for good water status according to the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive [2]. Water resources must be used in the right manner and kept in good quality
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