Building a stronger future for Europe’s water systems
Published on: February 3, 2025
Water management has become a cornerstone of the green transition, driven by the urgent need to balance water quality, environmental resilience and human health across Europe. Climate change exacerbates challenges such as flooding, droughts and water scarcity, while the restoration of wetlands and floodplains has emerged as a priority to improve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services.
Policies like the Water Framework Directive and the Nature Restoration Law underscore the growing focus on water ecosystems, setting ambitious goals to protect natural resources.
The Urban Water and Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), a critical element of the European Green Deal, raises the bar for water utilities by enforcing stricter standards for water quality and treatment of emerging contaminants like PFAS and nitrogen. These regulations, combined with a forecasted $476 billion in infrastructure investments by 2030, signal a transformative era for water management across Europe.
In this dynamic landscape, Sweco’s experts assist both public and private clients in the expanding field of water management. This includes consultancy services in water and wastewater engineering, water resource planning, urban water management and the design of flood protection structures.
Continue reading to learn more about some of Sweco’s most recent client projects in the field of water management.
Restoring Armenia’s largest freshwater source
To help preserve Lake Sevan, the largest and most important freshwater source in Armenia, Sweco is participating in a project for assessment of the consequences of raising the lake’s water level by over 6 metres – back to the water levels of the year 1903. Sweco is using detailed mathematical modelling and long-term observed data for future climate change scenarios, which is crucial for decision making. Additionally, Sweco is providing consultancy support for impact assessment and roadmap development. The project is part of the EU4Sevan programme for the environmental protection of the lake.
Improving waterways and infrastructure in Belgium
Sweco is supporting the Public Service of Wallonia Mobility and Infrastructure in Belgium to improve and modernise locks on the navigable waterways between Antwerp and Seneffe. New, more reliable gate operation gantries are planned. Sweco is analysing the impact of these new structures on the existing structures, with a focus on interface studies and execution phasing coherence. Sweco’s role encompasses all necessary studies, tests and investigations related to soil and waste valorisation during construction.
Rebuilding Ukraine with enhanced water systems
Sweco is contributing to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts by providing expertise to secure drinking water and modernize wastewater treatment in the Kobleve and Dobroslav communities. Sweco will provide expertise in wastewater treatment, water engineering, hydrology and environmental impact assessments. The result will be an improved, expanded and more resilient water infrastructure and municipal service for residents, including internally displaced persons. The projects that are financed by Swedfund began in June 2024 and are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
Upgrading the Ghent-Ostend Canal for container shipping
In Belgium, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, the agency of the Flemish government for the management of waterways, is studying the impact of upgrading the Ghent-Ostend Canal for three-layer container shipping of class Va ships as part of the European Seine-Scheldt project. With the goal to develop a feasible step-by-step plan for the upgrade, Sweco is supporting with a study that covers economy, ecology, and infrastructure. Sweco is also taking on the project coordination, process guidance, stakeholder management, and the majority of the technical and substantive work. The contract value is SEK 17 million.
Enhancing water safety and sustainability in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Waterschap Aa en Maas, a regional water authority, has tasked Sweco with adjusting the project planning for dike reinforcement by 13 months to achieve five main goals, including community support and a fully developed dike design. This contributes to water safety, a key aspect of sustainability and protection against climate change. The contract value is SEK 17 million.
Integrated water policy and management in the Yser Basin
Sweco has been contracted by De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, an agency of the Flemish government, to support the Yser basin secretariat in enhancing its integrated water policy. The project aims to address both water quantity (preventing water shortages and flooding) and water quality, through stakeholder collaboration, technical expertise and strategic planning. Sweco’s services will include, among others, process and stakeholder management, project management, integrated water management, feasibility studies and action plans. Sweco’s contract is valued at SEK 23 million with a duration from June 2024 to June 2028.
Advanced wastewater treatment technology in Germany

Credit: Lutz Hannemann
Berliner Wasserbetriebe, the largest water supply and wastewater drainage company in Germany, is replacing old wastewater treatment works with advanced purification technology. The new plant will increase capacity and improve the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment in the region. Sweco is part of an engineering consortium responsible for the planning of the mechanical cleaning stage, sludge treatment and operating building. The consortium will use state-of-the-art technology to design the plant and supervise construction, setting new standards for environmental protection and sustainability. Planning started this year with construction scheduled to start in 2029 and first operation is planned for 2034 with completion in 2036.
Strengthening water supply in Sweden
In Sweden, Sweco has been commissioned by Gävle Vatten AB and Älvkarleby Vatten AB to design a new water supply facility when Gävle and Älvkarleby municipalities are to strengthen the water supply for their residents. The investment will create redundancy and enable continued growth in the region. The new plant will produce around 200 litres of drinking water and around 175 litres of technical raw water per second. Sweco’s assignment includes detailed design of the new facility, as well as coordination of all parties in the design process. The project started in august 2024 and will be completed by the end of 2025. The order value for Sweco is estimated at SEK 28 million.