Project: ER 229 Mustvee WaterMan/ Improving Mustvee water infrastructure and water saving awareness
Project is is implemented under the European Neighbourhood Instrument and co-financed by the European Union
Project budget is 296473,20 euros and programme co-financing is 266825,88 euro.
Timeframe: June-December 2023
Partners:
Mustvee Haldus /Communal management OÜ (lead partner)
Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
Project coordinator: Margit.Sare @gmail.com
Summary
Climate change has considerable economic and social consequences not only in global level but also locally, at peoples households here in Estonia. The main challenges, or the starting point for our project is seasonal water scarcity in local households and not good water quality /eutrophication issues of Lake Peipsi.
Our focus:
a) The heat waves, increase of summer inhabitants and other factors lead to high summer water consumption and significant drop in water pressure in Mustvee town, which is why it is not possible to ensure proper drinking water for all residents with current water pumping system.
Thus, the water problems in Mustvee would be addressed through improved infrastructure (water pump station reconstruction, serving around 80% of inhabitants). A problem with current high iron in water content is also improved with water treatment equipment.
Increased Fire fighting capacity is positive side effect of reconstruction of water pump. Currently it is a problem that the fire hydrants (18 pc.) installed on the public water supply pipeline for fire fighting in Mustvee cannot be used, because the existing pump station at the Jõe st. is not in accordance with standards.
b) In addition we plan to install public drinking water taps which would be of help during heat wave especially to vulnerable groups, and also decrease possible plastic pollution.
The installed public drinking water taps in Mustvee port have benefit to local and tourists. There are several town festivals which might bring in one day several thousands of people. Tap water is 10-90 times more resource-efficient than bottled water, depending on the cost of transportation.
c) Another problem we address is Mustvee harbour boat repair area, where oils spills can occur and has potential risk to lake water pollution (especially during heavy rains). Here - oil trap system and rainwater infiltration area with planted trees and bushes would ease the problem.
d) We also will work for increased awareness on water saving in households and gardening (articles in local newspaper, public info seminar for garden owners, tree planting public event and Water quiz targeted to young people), which would have impact in wider level and bring changes in peoples behavior in long run.
