Changing the water protection area  

Due to higher water protection standards, we are reviewing the protected area for the Grevie groundwater catchment. 

SUPPLYING MALMÖ WITH WATER FOR OVER 100 YEARS 

The catchment plant at Grevie in the municipality of Staffanstorp has supplied Malmö with water since the early 1900s. Today the plant is responsible for approximately 15 per cent of Malmö’s normal water demand.

In order to protect the groundwater resource, a water protection area was created in 1977. Since then, the water protection standards have been raised, due to increased knowledge about groundwater, the Swedish national environmental goals, the EU framework directives for water, and other factors.

As a consequence, VA SYD is presenting a draft for a new water protection area. 

GEOGRAPHICAL EXTENSION OF THE WATER PROTECTION AREA 

The water which is pumped up from the wells at Grevie is coming from rainwater that has percolated into the underground, within an area of approximately 450 square kilometres. The main part of the water reaching the wells (around 80 per cent) comes from a total area of 12 square kilometres situated between Bara and Klågerup in the north an Holmeja in the south. 

The planned water protection area comprises the above mentioned 12 square kilometres, divided into two areas. 

Each area is in turn made up of primary and secondary protection zones. We are also planning to have smaller water catchment zones of 30 x 30 metres around each well. The existing protection area will be terminated when the new protection area has been established. 

RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE WATER PROTECTION AREA 

A water protection area consists both of the geographical extension of the area, and a number of regulations governing the actions and operations within the area.

In the regulations are stated what is not allowed and what is requiring permission and notification. The draft for the regulations about the Grevie groundwater catchment includes restrictions for cisterns and handling of petroleum products, handling and dispersal of chemical pesticides, wastewater emissions and road maintenance. 

INVITATION TO CONSULTATION FROM VA SYD 

Before the plan for a new water protection area was submitted to the County Administrative Board, a consultation procedure was carried out. Everyone who is affected by the plan was given the opportunity to put their questions, comments and concerns to VA SYD. 

The consultation was carried out in an exhibition at the Bara Library in November 2009. 

In connection with the exhibition, an information meeting was held where representatives from VA SYD informed about the process of reviewing the water protection area. 

THE PLAN IS SENT TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD 

After the consultation the comments conveyed were noted down. All the comments were considered individually. As a result, the plan may be adapted to some of the comments. Then the plan will be sent to the County Administrative Board for ratification. This is scheduled for the spring of 2010. After the ratification, the County Administrative Board will enable the public to comment on the plan. Then the Board will make a decision. 

RULES FOR COMPENSATION 

The Environmental Code contains rules for compensation to property owners within a water protection area. Those who want to lay claim to compensation should take proceedings at the Environmental Court no later than one year after the new water protection area has been determined.