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Why SIWat?

Industries and municipalities in the Baltic Sea region use large amounts of clean drinking water in their processes.
At the same time, groundwater and surface water resources are under increasing pressure.

Although treated municipal wastewater could replace part of this freshwater use, industrial and municipal water reuse is still limited.
The main barriers are unclear regulations, varying quality requirements, limited availability of suitable recycled water, and uncertainty about costs.

How does SIWat work?

We analyse EU and national regulations, identify suitable industries, define process water requirements and assess current water use in Finland and Estonia.

Mikkeli, Finland
Treated MBR permeate is further processed and tested in industrial uses such as washing, cooling and irrigation. Advanced oxidation technologies are piloted to refine water quality.

Loo, Estonia
A new pilot facility treats municipal and industrial wastewater using MBR technology. Reclaimed water is reused in industrial laundry processes, reducing freshwater consumption.

Both pilots are jointly monitored and evaluated. Results include technical reports and a technical-economic assessment to support wider replication in the Baltic Sea region.

The project organises training for WWTP staff, operators and companies, study visits to pilot sites, and workshops in the wider programme area. Results are shared through seminars, networks and the Central Baltic webspace.

What impact does it have?

  • Tested technologies to produce reclaimed water for industrial and municipal use
  • Clearer guidance on EU and national regulatory requirements
  • Technical and economic data to support investments
  • Access to alternative process water sources
  • Reduced dependence on freshwater
  • New business opportunities in water-smart solutions
  • Evidence-based recommendations for water reuse
  • Cross-border cooperation between Finland and Estonia
  • Reduced pressure on groundwater and surface waters

A key result is one improved cross-border circular economy chain:
municipal wastewater → advanced treatment → industrial and municipal process water → reduced freshwater abstraction.

Cross-border partnership

SIWat brings together partners from Finland and Estonia:
Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd (Lead Partner), Xamk, LUT University, TalTech and Loo Water.

By combining real wastewater treatment environments, research expertise and industry cooperation, the partnership develops practical and transferable circular water solutions for the Baltic Sea region.

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CB 2014-2020

Managing Authority
Joint Secretariat
c/o Regional Council
of Southwest Finland
Visiting address: Linnankatu 52 B, Turku, Finland
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 273,
20101 Turku, Finland
E-mail: info@centralbaltic.eu
Phone: +358 40 550 8408