GREEN SOLUTIONS

CleanteCh In sweden
Flow regulator helps
manage wetlands
Eutrophication of lakes and seas affected by algae blooms, changes in fish stocks, and deterioration
of swimming water quality has become a serious problem in many countries. One reason for
these problems is changes in land use, but a project in southern Sweden is reversing this trend.
Community developments with
expansion of settlements,
new roads and agricultural
lands and forests have
significantly affected water and
wetland habitats. Wetland acreage has
been drastically reduced, lakes have
been lowered or drained, and many
ditches have been deepened, straightened
or piped. This means the water’s
ability to self-purify has been reduced,
leading to a decline in plant and
animal species dependent upon
wetland habitats. In 1995, nine
municipalities in southern Sweden
agreed to work together to improve
the environment by raising water
quality in lakes and streams and
decreasing the efflux of nutrients into
Oresund, the body of water between
Sweden and Denmark. The project
focused on restoring wetlands and
ponds and constructing cultivationfree
buffer zones along watercourses.
In addition to cleaner water, the goal is
also to improve conditions for
biodiversity and recreation.
For more information visit: www.sustainable-sweden.se/
50 | GREEN SOLUTIONS FROM SWEDEN
The project has resulted in the
construction of 148 wetlands with a
total area of 365 hectares.
The inlet /outlet to the wetlands
may be constructed as an open ditch,
pipe, adjustable culvert, or dam. The
use of other technical solutions with
artificial materials is minimized, but in
some cases they are necessary to solve
problems such as leakage, erosion, or
water level regulation. One such
product is the WaReg flow regulator.
The flow regulator ensures that the
ponds and lakes are not overfilled
during periods of high rainfall and
thereby minimizes damage to the
surrounding areas. The device
maintains the balance within the
wetland area and also protects the
wetland areas close to large watershed
areas such as parking lots or other
large, hard surfaces.
In general, wetlands have a positive
effect on biodiversity and nutrient
retention in intense agricultural areas.
Already during the first year after
construction, the number of inverte-
brate animals makes up a large
number of species and individuals.
Plant growth shows the same pattern,
and an average of 32 wetland plants
was found per pond. Consequently,
bird life shows a quick response to the
constructed habitats.
Facts: Sustainable Sweden Southeast
is a business network that
assists international clients and
investors to implement business
solutions that support sustainability.
The network link and coordinate
experiences and knowledge on
environmental technology and
sustainability from Swedish trade,
industry and authorities with
research resources from universities.
The network includes southeastern
Sweden’s leading technology
companies together with
public organizations and universities.
Wapro is a member of Sustainable
Sweden Southeast.