About MINWA

Untreated waste waters from sparsely populated areas cause eutrophication and decreased water quality in Estonia and Finland. Groundwater quality is threatened due to the risk of contamination from untreated waste waters, while bacteria contamination can prevent recreational use of waters. The handling of sludge from small scale treatment plants is also becoming a problem due to the lack of proper centralized treatment facilities. High quality waste water treatment will result in decreased waste water loads and hygienic problems. The optimization of sludge handling can cause notable benefits.

The aims of the MINWA project are the exchange of knowledge and experience in treating waste water in sparsely populated areas, education, training and the dissemination of good practices.  Research regarding the effectiveness of different treatment systems is implemented for the duration of the 3 year project. Models for treatment systems, maintenance and service, as well as follow-up systems, are being developed in co-operation between Estonia and Finland. Research results gathered during this project are used for educational development and for the improvement of  treatment systems, and they are disseminated through educational and official networks.