The Danish model for sustainable water solutions
Reliable sewerage systems
The total length of the Danish sewer network is approx. 50,000 km. The older systems in the central part of the towns are typically combined systems stormwater and wastewater), while separate systems predominate in the newer urban areas.
The Danish sewerage system removes wastewater and stormwater in a manner that safeguards public health, protects the environment from exposure to hazardous substances and ensures the sustainability of organic matter recycling.
Renovation and maintenance
In order to prevent sewer collapse and excessive infiltration/leakage to and from the ageing systems, renovation programmes are being implemented in many municipalities. Sewer renovation will necessitate investments estimated at USD 5 billion over the next 30 years. In order to optimize these major investments, renovation plans have been or are being prepared by the Municipalities on the basis of extensive sewer inspection campaigns encompassing flow and infiltration measurements, TV inspection and computer modelling of the sewer hydraulics.
Structured management
To minimize the impact of storm-induced overflows on the aquatic environment, holding basins and enclosed overflows have been established in large numbers in recent years and still more are planned. Operation of holding basins, overflows, pumping stations and networks is controlled using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, thus ensuring a high level of sewerage system safety.
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