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OPTAIN: Sävjaan river catchment [Sweden]

Last update
2025
Summary
Sävjaån catchment is a lowland mixed land use catchment characteristic of central Sweden. Headwaters in the catchment drain a mixture of forest and agricultural land. Streams draining agricultural land are general deepened and straightened to promote drainage. Localized spring floods are common and summer droughts are increasing. Eutrophication is an issue throughout the catchment.
Position
Latitude
59.83054168118041
Longitude
17.670219687235484
Biogeographical Region
Boreal
Implementation Status
Transboundary
0

NUTS Code
SE03 - Östra Mellansverige
Involved Partners
Authority type Authority name Role Comments

Climate zone
cool temperate moist
Temperature
6°C
Precipitation
639 mm/year
Annual rainfall range
600 - 900 mm
Elevation range
0–100 m a.s.l.
Groundwater level
< 5 m
Vegetation class
Riparian grasses, wetland vegetation, crops in adjacent fields
Water bodies: Ecological Status
Good to high
Water bodies: Chemical Status
Good

Project scale
Micro
Project scale specification
localised ditches and buffer strips in fields
Project area
Varies; local plots to small sub-catchments (0.5–100 ha)
Area specifications
Rural, cropland, ditch networks
Riparian areas proximal to streams and ditches that are not in agricultural production
can slow the movement of particulate matter and water from fields to receiving
waters, thereby potentially limiting peak flow.
Drainage ditches with a "bench" or floodplain can slow the movement of water and
retain nutrients, benches function as wetlands when wet.
Wetlands/ponds are created to retain nutrients and prevent drought/flooding.

Land ownership
Mixed ownership: individual, company, community/ village; cooperative arrangements with farmers
Community involvment
No
Design consultation activity
Activity stage Name Key issues Comments
Policy target
Target purpose
Pollutants Removal
Policy pressure
Pressure directive Relevant pressure
Policy impact
Impact directive Relevant impact
Requirement directive
Requirement directive Specification
WFD-mitigation of significant pressure
Contractual arrangements
0
Arrangement type Responsibility Role Name Comments
Part of wider plan
0
Wider plan type
Wider plan type Wider plan focus Name Comments
Regional
Water
Regional/catchment-based strategy under EU directives

No structured long-term monitoring in place
Maintenance
Tree trimming, vegetation removal (annual to every 5 years), sediment management

Success factor(s)
Success factor type Success factor role Comments Order
Other
main factor
<p>simplicity, ecosystem based&nbsp;</p>
Attitude of relevant stakeholders
main factor
<p>farmers collaboration</p>
Barrier
Barrier type Barrier role Comments Order
Lacking financing sources
No long term financial support from competent authorities
Expected maintenance needs
main barrier
unclear maintenance financing, Need for ongoing maintenance
Driver
Driver type Driver role Comments Order
Legal obligations
main driver
EU Water Policy
Other
main driver
research-based evidence of effectiveness
English