RE-FRESH

Project Overview:

RE-FRESH (Repurposing Water Treatment Residuals for Sustainable Lake Restoration) addresses eutrophication in lakes caused by phosphorus accumulated in lake sediments. Even when external nutrient pollution is reduced, phosphorus stored in sediments can continue to degrade water quality and ecosystem health.

The project introduces a circular economy approach by reusing drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) to permanently bind phosphorus in lake sediments. The partners will test and demonstrate this innovative solution in Estonia and Latvia while building knowledge and cooperation among researchers, local authorities and lake managers.

Project Objective

The project aims to improve the ecological status and resilience of lakes by developing, testing and promoting a sustainable lake restoration solution based on the reuse of drinking water treatment residuals for phosphorus binding and nutrient reduction.

Key Activities

• Development of a solution for restoring eutrophic lakes using drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs).
• Pilot implementation and testing of DWTR reuse for lake restoration in Estonia and Latvia.
• Monitoring and evaluation of environmental impacts and restoration effectiveness.
• Exchange of knowledge and experience between researchers, municipalities and environmental organisations.
• Development of recommendations and practical guidance for wider application of the solution.
• Creation of a collaborative cross-border network supporting sustainable lake restoration.

Expected Results:

• A jointly developed solution for lake restoration using drinking water treatment residuals.
• Piloted and validated reuse of DWTRs for reducing phosphorus release from lake sediments.
• Improved knowledge and evidence supporting sustainable lake restoration methods.
• A collaborative cross-border network connecting project partners and stakeholders.
• One jointly developed solution taken up or up-scaled by organisations.
• Continued cooperation between six organisations after project completion.
• Improved long-term ecological resilience and water quality in participating lakes.