EU funding supports plans to reduce water pollution in Jūrmala through RARE-G

Jūrmala City Council has approved the participation of SIA “Jūrmalas ūdens” as lead partner in RARE-G, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme project implemented with partners in Estonia and Finland. The project aims to reduce the impact of urban wastewater and stormwater systems on the Baltic Sea’s coastal and marine environment.

RARE-G will combine a data-driven risk assessment framework with nature-based solutions to address pollution and hydraulic pressures. By bringing together monitoring data and geospatial information, the project will support more informed decisions on water infrastructure and future investments.

In Jūrmala, the pilot is planned at the Durbes Street wastewater pumping station in Ķemeri. A nature-based wastewater management solution is intended to reduce hydraulic pressure on the Vēršupīte stream, lower the risk of overflows and improve water quality near the buffer zone of Ķemeri National Park.

The pilot is expected to help reduce flood risk in the Vēršupīte catchment and improve local water quality. The project will also strengthen the capacity of Jūrmala Municipality and SIA “Jūrmalas ūdens” to manage climate-related risks affecting wastewater systems.

RARE-G runs from June 2026 to May 2029. Its total budget is EUR 1,792,185.86, including EUR 1,433,748.68 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), covering 80% of eligible costs.

The eligible budget for SIA “Jūrmalas ūdens”, the project’s lead partner, is EUR 633,077.40. This comprises EUR 506,461.92 in ERDF support and EUR 126,615.48 in co-financing from SIA “Jūrmalas ūdens”.

Source: SIA Jūrmalas ūdens project news