Water

Today, water sustainability is the absolute and most complex priority to achieve around the world. In fact, many cities are facing problems related to the quality and quantity of available water, mainly due to the increase in population and climate change. The city of Kaunas has found valid and effective methods to develop and improve its water system.

Modern Sewage treatment

The opening of a modern sewage treatment plant in 1992 was a decisive turning point for public health and environmental safety in Kaunas. Initially, Kaunas did not have a centralized sewerage system, which caused serious pollution of waterways. Subsequently, KTU University has developed a technology that manages polluted water beyond standard legal limits. The technology uses enzymes and solvent absorption to bind pollutants and allow their oxidation by natural bacteria.

Micropollutants

The removal of micropollutants (such as microplastics and pharmaceutical residues) is an increasingly pressing issue, in addition to oil and hydrocarbon contamination. For this reason, the municipal water company Kauno Vandenys has joined EmpeRest, an international initiative to test cutting-edge techniques to eliminate these substances. Their goal is to regulate to protect ecosystems and human health.

Storm water management

Kaunas is also a leader in storm water management. The city has begun using new drainage systems to reduce flooding, particularly in Aleksotas and Žaliakalnis. In addition to protecting residents from flood damage, this approach keeps unregulated runoff from adversely affecting local waterways.

To ensure that new projects meet local needs, Kauno Vandenys actively works with local residents and institutions. For example, to improve public spaces, residents of Aleksotas and Žaliakalnis participated in the development of water drainage systems.

In addition to improving the environment, Kaunas has also changed the economic situation of its residents with its sustainable and ecological innovations. According to Kauno Vandenys, the price of drinking water has decreased as a result of the decision to modernize the infrastructure. All in all, this shows how an optimal water system can provide cost-effective and, above all, sustainable performance, thus justifying all the money invested in the project by the local community.

KTU initiative

Another success story is KTU’s technology for treating oily water, a patented solution that could be adopted by other countries. This underscores Lithuania’s potential for innovation in sustainability and demonstrates how a solid research base can lead to real-world applications that protect the environment.

In spite of the excellent results achieved, Kaunas is continuing its research to eliminate new pollutants on a permanent basis, as well as to remain flexible depending on climate changes, which could include very heavy rains or periods of severe drought. Thus, by spreading the method of micropollutant removal and continuously updating the sewer system, we can avoid health and economic issues.

A cornerstone of Kaunas’ efforts is likely to remain international cooperation and European projects. Kaunas’ role as a living laboratory for testing solutions that could be replicated elsewhere is strengthened by its participation in projects such as EmpeRest and other research partnerships.