The first draft of the “Lviv Water Vision 2100” strategy, a long-term document on the management of the community’s water resources and water infrastructure, has been presented in Lviv. The strategy has been developed over the course of a year in cooperation with experts from Denmark.
The document was prepared as part of cooperation between LMKP “Lvivvodokanal”, Lviv City Council, the Danish municipality of Aarhus Kommune and the water utility Aarhus Vand. Experts, academics, water sector specialists and residents were involved in the drafting process, working in seven thematic working groups: water supply and groundwater, centralised sewerage, stormwater, surface waters, urban planning and land use, decentralised sewerage and water education.
The municipal utility notes that the “Lviv Water Vision 2100” lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable and climate-resilient management of the community’s water resources. It considers water not only as a public utility service, but as a strategic development resource, crucial for security, health, the environment, spatial planning and the quality of life of Lviv’s residents.
The vision project covers six key areas: water policy and governance, resilience and security of water supply, efficiency and optimisation of resources, sustainable development and environmental protection, land use and water-sensitive spatial planning, as well as education and community engagement. Among the priorities of the document are the creation of an integrated water resources management system, development of digital tools and monitoring, reduction of water losses, modernisation of critical infrastructure, protection of water supply sources, stormwater management, restoration of water bodies and wetlands, implementation of nature-based solutions and raising residents’ awareness.
Particular emphasis is placed on the resilience of water supply in times of crisis: possible blackouts, infrastructure failures, climate change and external threats. The document provides for diversification of water sources, creating reserves for critical facilities, development of alternative water supply sources, and strengthening the physical and cyber security of water infrastructure.
LMKP “Lvivvodokanal” explained that water resources are a particularly important issue for Lviv, as the community is located on the Main European Watershed, and a significant part of the city’s water intakes lies beyond its boundaries. This creates additional challenges for water supply, energy resilience, protection of groundwater and cooperation with neighbouring communities.
The “Lviv Water Vision 2100” project integrates European approaches to water resources management, nature-based solutions and modern principles of urban planning. Its aim is to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive, systemic and data-driven water management.
The first draft of the document will serve as the basis for further public discussion, refinement and the formation of a shared vision for the future of water resources in the Lviv community. In addition, the conservation and use of water resources has been defined as the theme of the first Civic Assembly of the Lviv agglomeration, which is planned to be held in June–July.