MUSTBE: Multidimensional Storm Water Treatment in Urban Areas for Cleaner Baltic Sea

Status: Ongoing projects

The project improves urban stormwater management by combining nature-based solutions with digital technologies to enhance stormwater treatment and strengthen municipalities’ capacity to monitor water quality.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

Riga faces stormwater pollution that affects both local water bodies and the Baltic Sea ecosystem. It is essential for the city to implement sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce the release of hazardous substances into the environment and improve water quality. The MUSTBE project offers the opportunity to test new stormwater treatment methods and ensure more efficient urban water resource management.

Target of the Project

To develop and implement new technological and digital solutions for stormwater management, improving treatment efficiency and promoting the reuse of water in the urban environment.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Cleaner stormwater and reduced pollution in the urban environment;
✔ Lower flood risk through improved stormwater drainage systems;
✔ More efficient urban water resource management based on real-time data;
✔ A safer and healthier urban environment for residents.

Project Activities

✔ Creation of a GIS-based database to improve urban stormwater management;
✔ Pilot area surveys, including stormwater composition analysis and geodetic work;
✔ Development and testing of multidimensional technical solutions for stormwater treatment;
✔ Preparation of maintenance guidelines for effective solution management;
✔ Construction and installation of nature-based solutions in partner cities;
✔ Development and implementation of a stormwater monitoring program;
✔ Public awareness and knowledge exchange activities.

Testbed Territory in Riga

Ķīpsala living lab – Riga Technical University campus in Ķīpsala.

Project Results

✔ Reduced amount of hazardous substances in stormwater systems;
✔ Improved city resilience to climate change by reducing flood risk;
✔ More efficient urban water management based on collected data;
✔ Development of guidelines for maintaining and scaling up nature-based solutions.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021 – 2027
Total project budget: EUR 3 980 476
Total budget for Riga:
EU funding: EUR 510 867 (80%)
Riga Municipality co-financing: EUR 127 717 (20%)

Implementation Period: 01.05.2023 – 30.04.2026

Project Partners: Municipality of Viimsi (Estonia) – Lead Partner, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), City of Tallinn (Estonia), City of Pori (Finland), Municipality of Söderhamn (Sweden), Riga City Municipality (Latvia), Riga Technical University (Latvia)

Contact Information

Marija Balabka
Project Manager
Riga City Council City Development Department
Email: marija.balabka@riga.lv

Project Links

RDPAD – Multidimensional stormwater treatment in urban areas for a cleaner Baltic Sea (MUSTBE)
https://centralbaltic.eu/project/mustbe/