Strategic maintenance of blue-green stormwater infrastructure – from research to practice (2026–2027)

Blue-green stormwater infrastructure helps retain and treat stormwater, reduce flood risks, and enhance biodiversity and other ecosystem services. However, inadequate maintenance, unclear responsibilities and insufficient follow-up mean that these systems do not always perform as intended.

The project translates fifteen years of research at Luleå University of Technology into practical recommendations for long-term, strategic maintenance. The recommendations are implemented and evaluated in pilot studies together with municipal stakeholders. Through workshops, interviews and continuous follow-up, researchers and practitioners jointly develop effective working methods.

The aim is to develop decision support and methods that help municipalities, water and wastewater utilities, and property owners ensure the long-term performance of these systems. The results will be disseminated to a wider range of stakeholders and incorporated into education and training for students and professionals.

The project is carried out within the Mistra InfraMaint research programme. Project partners are RISE Research Institutes of Sweden (project owner), Luleå University of Technology, Stockholmshem, Nacka Municipality, and MittSverige Vatten & Avfall.

• Project page - Mistra InfraMaint