BALTFLOODS

As climate change brings more frequent and intense rainfall to the Baltic Sea Region, cities are facing increasing challenges from urban flooding and stormwater pollution. During heavy rain events, water can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, carrying nutrients, sediments, microplastics, and other pollutants into nearby lakes and rivers, eventually reaching the Baltic Sea. At the same time, many municipalities and water authorities often lack real-time information on flood risks and water quality. Data is scattered across different systems making it difficult to detect problems early, respond quickly, and assess whether measures such as wetlands and other nature-based solutions are effective. Traditional stormwater management were not designed for today's climate challenges. Cities need smarter ways to manage flooding and pollution. 

In the pilot cities of Lappeenranta and Gjøvik, BALTFLOODS address these challenges by deploying advanced monitoring technologies, combining sensors, satellite imagery, drone-based observations, remote sensing technologies, citizens observations and manual water sampling predictive models to provide real-time information on water quantity, water quality, and flood risks. The same monitoring framework also helps assess the performance of nature-based solutions, such as wetlands and green infrastructure.  

BALTFLOODS project is developing a web-based citizen application that allows to exchange information between municipalities and citizens. Residents could report local conditions, such as flood levels and affected areas, which enhanced situational awareness. The application also provides push notifications and alerts to citizens when flood events are detected.   

All data collected from the sensing technologies is integrated into a centralized dashboard. The platform provides municipalities with up-to-date flood and water quality information through an intuitive visualisation dashboard. Using algorithms to process and analyse data from multiple sources, the platform transforms complex datasets into clear, easy-to-understand visual insights, supporting faster and more informed decision-making 

Supported by Interreg Baltic Sea Region, BALTFLOODS brings together municipalities, NGOs, and research institutions from across the region. By combining practical experience, operational know-how, and scientific expertise, the partnership is working together to develop, test, and validate practical solutions that can be replicated beyond the pilot cities, helping communities across the Baltic Sea Region build resilience to flooding and protect their water environments. In addition to the technical solutions, the project will produce best practice and sustainability handbooks, helping municipalities replicate successful approaches and benefit from the knowledge gained in the pilot cities of Lappeenranta and Gjøvik.