Underwater – Sediments from Risk to Resource in Urban Stormwater Flows
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Växjö kommun - Växjö kommun Tekniska förvaltningen |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 13 348 714 |
| Project duration | November 2025 - November 2028 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Water Wave Societies - Programme-specific interventions |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Transition labs within Water Wise Societies 2025 for Sustainable Water for All |
Purpose and goal
Stormwater conveys a mix of pollutants that adhere to sediments accumulating in drainage systems such as gully pots and ponds. These systems protect receiving waters by trapping contaminants, yet unclear responsibilities and poor management often undermine their benefits, allowing pollutants to re-enter the environment. The project redefines stormwater sediments as a resource, advancing circular and safe management through technical innovation, policy development and practitioner engagement.
Expected effects and result
The project establishes a long-term transition lab for circular and environmentally sound management of stormwater sediments. By integrating technical innovation, policy development and practitioner collaboration, it transforms current maintenance and sediment management practices. The aim is to reduce pollutant dispersal, enhance the robustness of urban water infrastructures and enable resource recovery from stormwater sediments. The work contributes to all three goals of Water Wise Societies.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is built on collaboration between research, municipal operations, regulatory roles and technology developers, representing a broad range of actors from needs owners to solution providers and experts. The work is organised into three development journeys that test and refine solutions in real urban settings: Smart maintenance and sampling in stormwater systems; Institutional framework for maintenance and sediment management; and Safe recovery and reuse of stormwater sediments.