Kose Uemõisa, Harjusma, Estonia
16 September 2011

The European Alliance group study visit on Innovation and Environment: Water Management in Estonia took place in Estonia on Friday 16th September 2011.  Participants included: Mr Mr Jerzy Zająkała, EA group President; Dr Uno Silberg, EA group, 1st Vice President; EA Group members: Mrs Linda Gillham; Mr Brian Meaney; Mr Marc Hendrickx, Dr Saima Kalev and from the Group secretariat Mr Micheál Ó Conchúir.  The visit was hosted by Dr Silberg who also presented a case study on Water Management as well as a very insightful presentation on the Local Government structure in Estonia.

The delegation stayed in Oxforell holiday centre which is situated about 40km outside Tallinn.  This LEADER funded project was very interesting as it demonstrated what could be achieved in a rural community in Estonia.  The food served came in the form of 'trout' (fish) from the river outside.  More information available from: www.Oxforell.ee

The subject of water management is fundamentally important in Estonia, as it is across the European Union and the first presentation shared with members the overall water management structures in Estonia and also the challenges not only for larger Cities but for smaller municipalities.

Another presentation by Dr Saima Kalev, focussed in on Drinking water and waste water projects in Jõgeva rural municipality supported by EU funding.  This looked at the practical issues surrounding the provision of drinking water (including dealing with extreme weather) as well as very modern waste water facilities.

The delegation then visited two sites of OÜ Kose Vesi guided by manager Mr Margus Proos.  The first visit was to a new Drinking Water system which provides water currently to 2,500 people.  This facility is ultra modern with the 'pumps' linked up to mobile technology.

The second part of the visit was to the new construction of a waste water management facility.  This is being built on the site of the 'old' waste management facility and again uses very modern technology.  This facility is due to be operational in early 2012 and also allows for the future expansion of local population by up to 30%.