Project partners: Stockholm University, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Gothenburg Region, Swedish Water
Grant: SEK 4 998 140
Project duration: 2026-07-01 – 2028-06-30
Contact person: Karina Shyrokykh, Stockholm University
Description of the project
The project aims to strengthen Sweden’s preparedness for wastewater and sanitation management during crises and armed conflict by improving policy frameworks. Today, many municipalities and water utilities experience uncertainty regarding responsibilities, decision-making authority and operational flexibility when existing regulations are insufficient, which may undermine the continuity of essential sanitation services under extreme conditions. Through policy labs, the project brings together researchers, public authorities and practitioners to jointly analyse and test governance solutions in crisis scenarios. The work draws on lessons from international cases during crises and armed conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and major flood events in Europe recent years, and examines how similar challenges could arise in a Swedish context. Interviews, workshops and citizen focus groups are used to explore issues of responsibility, legitimacy, public acceptance and trust in crisis-related decision-making. The project is carried out by Stockholm University, RISE, the Gothenburg Region (GR) and Svenskt Vatten. The expected outcome is a set of concrete and operational policy recommendations that can support national and local actors in strengthening legal preparedness, coordination and long-term resilience in wastewater and sanitation systems. The project directly contributes to the Water Wise Societies mission of ensuring secure and resilient water services.
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