On 9 October, a natural filter pilot area was opened on the Valga-Valka border, with the main objective of testing and developing solutions aimed at removing disease-causing microorganisms from surface water using water taken from the Konnaoja river. Based on the results of the trials, the effectiveness of the systems and their potential applications in reducing bacterial contamination in the waters of the River Pedeli and thereby improving the quality of bathing water in the Valga coastal area will be assessed.
This is one of the pilot solutions of the Interreg project "Watershed Safety Plan (WSSP)", which focuses on the implementation of nature-friendly and effective water protection measures.
The opening was also attended by project partners from Finland, who got acquainted with the solution implemented in Valga. The natural filter is designed to work as an environmentally friendly purification mechanism, helping to reduce the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and pathogens in the water of the Konnaoja, which flows into Estonia, and as a result also in the Pedel dam.
The Estonian University of Life Sciences and Valga Vesi AS are participating in the Interreg project, which aims to reduce diffuse pollution in both urban and rural areas. The project will create a practical and widely applicable catchment-based water management model to help municipalities and water companies implement targeted environmentally friendly measures.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the natural filter also has an urban spatial value - it enriches Valga's border landscape and provides a pleasant green space for the local community.
"Valga Municipality is pleased that the project has now created a visible result for the people of Valga, which will contribute to the cleanliness of the water in the Pedi River. Most of all, we must thank the engineer of Valga Vesi AS external networks, Külli Radsini, who has been the soul of this project with her tremendous thoroughness and dedication, and for whom solving the whole Valga municipality's rainwater problems has been an important priority," said Deputy Mayor Kaupo Kutsar.
For her part, Külli Radsin would like to thank Kristi Põldveed, the Valga Municipality's landscaping specialist, and her team for their contribution to the beautification of the area, and Kairid Leksi, the construction specialist, who supported the project throughout its design.
Project duration: 01.05.2024-31.10.2027
Budget: EUR 303 856,40, of which ERDF contribution EUR 243 085,12.
See pictures of the opening here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCxH5i