Norway faces extensive Water/Wastewater Reforms —They must invest 360 billion NOK

Norsk Vann estimates that Norway needs to use 360 billion NOK over the next 18 years to secure drinking water and wastewater management. This figure includes updating both treatment plants and the sewage system—but this does not include private systems.

The government’s upgrading project is inspired by new problems, such as aging infrastructure from the 1950s-1970s, combined with climate change, population growth, stricter regulations, and tighter deadlines. A lack of capacity compounds the challenges: Norsk Vann estimates an unmet need of 300 full-time positions on the consultancy side, and the municipalities, directorates, and county governors also lack sufficient expertise and resources.

This new wastewater directive creates a requirement for secondary cleaning in small wastewater systems (1,000 PE), which will necessitate significant investments, especially along the coast. Norsk Vann encourages entrepreneurs to direct efforts towards the water and wastewater sector, and calls for a national plan and standardization to simplify processes. Today, 149 municipalities have unique water and wastewater requirements.

Finally, Norsk Vann warns that residents will be forced to pay for this over the next years through increased water and wastewater fees.

To read more about this, see the original article on Tungt.no: https://www.tungt.no/article/view/893849/norsk_vann_na_er_tallet_360_milliarder