Improving Mustvee water infrastructure and water saving awareness

Closed

Climate change has considerable economic and social consequences not only in global level but also locally, at peoples households here in Estonia. The main challenges, or the starting point for our project is seasonal water scarcity in local households and not good water quality /eutrophication issues of Lake Peipsi.  Our project focuses TO 6, in specific area - Improving the quality of shared water assets by reducing their pollution load, improving water management facilities, and also in area of Increasing awareness of environmental protection and people behavioral changes in a long run. The project is tackling  the problem of seasonal water scarcity, pollution and climate change throug various angles. The main impact is made by: a) The heat waves, increase of summer inhabitants and other factors lead to high summer water consumption and significant drop in water pressure in Mustvee town, which is why it is not possible to ensure proper drinking water for all residents with current water pumping system. Thus, the water problems in Mustvee would be addressed through improved infrastructure (water pump station reconstruction, serving around 80% of inhabitants). A problem with current high iron in water content is also improved with water treatment equipment. Increased Fire fighting capacity is positive side effect of  reconstruction of water pump. Currently it is a problem that the fire hydrants (18 pc.) installed on the public water supply pipeline for fire fighting in Mustvee cannot be used, because the existing pump station at the Jõe st. is not in accordance with standards. b) In addition we plan to install public drinking water taps which would be of help during heat wave especially to vulnerable groups, and also decrease possible plastic pollution. The installed public drinking water taps in Mustvee port have benefit to local and tourists. There are several town festivals which might bring in one day several thousands of people. Tap water is 10-90 times more resource-efficient than bottled water, depending on the cost of transportation.  c) Another problem we address is Mustvee harbour  boat repair area, where oils spills can occur and  has potential risk to lake water pollution (especially during heavy rains). Here - oil trap system and rainwater infiltration area with planted trees and bushes would ease the problem. d) We also will work for increased awareness on water saving in households and gardening (articles in local newspaper, public info seminar for garden owners,  tree planting public event and Water quiz targeted to young people), which would have impact in wider level and bring changes in peoples behavior in long run.  Project activities are directly linked to Mustvee municipality development plan 2018-2030 (https://mustveevald.kovtp.ee/documents/), Jõgeva county energy and climate Plan and other relevant stratgey documents. The neccessary calculations are done, technical documentation is available, info is ready to start tenders as soon as possible; just some changes are needed in pre-projects. At least 910 households, several thousands of tourists in harbour area will directly benefit from the project, in addition around fifty people will be involved in awareness activities directly. Throug the communication activities (social media, articles, interviews, posters) - at least 2000 people are informed on project topics. The project is led by Mustvee Haldus/Communal management OÜ with partnership of NGO Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation. Mustvee WaterMan has very strong long term sustainability focus. The water problems in Mustvee would be addressed through: 1. improved infrastructure (reconstructed water pump, rain water collection areas, oil spills collection, drinking water stations) which will remain in place also after the termination of the project and thus household water quality will be in good level for several years to come. The reconstruction of a water pump station is sustainable in terms of financial sustainability because it helps achieve energy savings by reducing the energy consumption of the pump station and its operational costs. Increasing the power and efficiency of the pump reduces the overload on the pump station and extends the pump's lifespan. A reconstructed pump helps prevent unexpected failures and repair costs. The infrastructure being built in Mustvee harbor also helps avoid potential fines and other environmental-related costs associated with environmental pollution. 2. increased knowledge how to save water in households/gardening and general water (management) awareness, which will bring changes in peoples water-use and water saving behavior in a long run.

Medium