Brief intro to the WaterMan pilot measure
The pilot measure conducted in the Klaipėda District Municipality in Lithuania created a retention pond that collects and naturally purifies stormwater from a 110-hectare residential area in the town of Gargždai. It is the first retention pond in Lithuania specifically designed for water recycling.
As the water flows from higher to lower levels, various sedimentation processes take place: coarse sediments settle in an upstream basin, while the finer sediments settle further downstream in the main pond, where additional pollutant degradation occurs. The system operates without the need for additional technical equipment, relying entirely on the natural purification capacity of the ecosystem.
The retained water is already being used for street cleaning and for watering green spaces – potentially saving up to 300 cubic metres of drinking water per year. In the coming years, further concepts for its use will be developed in collaboration with other municipalities, water companies and parties interested in innovative water management solutions. In addition, the pond creates natural habitats, enhances biodiversity and provides recreational value for the local community.
- Type of pilot measure: Real-world implementation
- Location: Gargždai (Lithuania)
- Water source: Stormwater collected in a retention pond
- Type of treatment: Natural purification through sedimentation and biodegradation in the pond ecosystem
- Target water quality: Water class D (EU Regulation 2020/741)
- Utilisation: Street cleaning, irrigation of urban green spaces
- Return to natural cycle: Infiltration and discharge into the sewage system
- Responsible: Klaipėda District Municipality, Klaipėda University
- Operational & open for visitors: Since September 2025
Further information on the pilot measure
Technical-organisational concept (current status)
(pdf, 2,3MB)
Take a look at these slides for a concise overview of the current progress and results of this pilot measure.
The evolution of the concept (until today)
(pdf, 2,0MB)
These slides document the progress of the pilot measure – including key considerations, recommendations, and decisions at each stage. Scroll through to follow the process chronologically, from the initial idea all the way to the current status.
“A Pond Designed for the Future“ - read the full story behind the pilot measure
At first, the retention basin in Gargždai was planned with a single purpose in mind: preventing floods. But long-term climate projections suggest that Lithuania, too, will not only face more intense rainfall, but also longer dry periods. So the planners decided to think a step ahead and ask how the stored water could be used – and in doing so, they turned the town into a national pioneer in water recycling. Read more...
In-depth information on the pilot measure
Technical-organisational concept (current status)These slides provide a more detailed overview on the pilot measure.
The evolution of the concept (until today)These slides give an account of the work process behind the chosen technical-organisational concept, incl. considerations, recommendations and decisions taken at different stages. Scroll through the slides to chronologically follow the iterative “development journey” of the pilot measure step-by-step, from the initial idea to its present status!
Collection of further materials
Would you like to get personal advice on the use case? Contact us!
Mindaugas Šatkusmindaugas.satkus@klaipedos-r.lt+370 683 260 83
Valdas Langasvlangas@hotmail.com+370 688 749 25
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