µpstream: reducing the presence of micropollutants spread by stormwater flows (2024-2025)

The aim of this project is to investigate how we can reduce the sources of pollution that are transported from our cities by stormwater.

Specific objective include to: i) analyse the challenge and how it can contribute to achieving Prosperous Lakes and Watercourses 2035 ii) identify the desired future state and which system changes and stakeholders that are needed to get there iii) develop proposals for next steps (activities, need for solutions) to get closer to the goal. Individual sources of pollution are often small but spread over large areas and many discharge points, which makes it difficult to prevent spread. It is further complicated by ambiguities in who is responsible for preventing the spread and varies between different types of sources. As there are many contributing sources, and responsibilities are complex, gradual shifts are needed to achieve change.

This project brings together different actors who all have a role in addressing this complex challenge and defines the way forward through joint workshops and international outreach. The workshops focus on i) analyzing how sources of stormwater pollution can be reduced ii) identifying the desired future state and what system changes and actors are needed to get there iii) developing proposals for next steps (activities, need for solutions) to get closer to the goal.

The project is funded by Vinnova within the call “Impact Innovation: Collaboration for Sustainable Water for All within the Water Wise Societies 2024 program” with SEK 456,000. Participating project participants are, in addition to Luleå University of Technology: City of Stockholm, StormTac, Mittsverige vatten och avfall (MSVA), Byggvarubedömningen and Trafikverket.

Participants from Luleå University of Technology:

• Heléne Österlund
• Haoyu Wei
• Alexandra Müller
• Maria Viklander