New chemical practice 2.0

Research Project, 2025 – 2028

The ‘New chemical practice 2.0’ project addresses the growing risks of unwanted chemicals in water, especially organic micro-compounds, which threaten both the environment and public health. The aim is to develop and implement a new national practice for risk assessment and early management of chemicals in water, laying the foundation for a national coordinating function. The national function is a permanent, nationally coordinated expert resource to bridge between existing and emerging organizations and practices, providing guidance, tools and support for risk assessment and management of chemicals in water, and acting as a knowledge node between research, policy and practice in drinking water, wastewater and environmental protection.

Through a transition lab, actors from the water sector, academia, authorities and industry are brought together to develop new methods, digital tools and harmonized guidelines on chemical risks in water and promote cooperation and dissemination nationally and internationally. The project initially focuses on two case studies: Lake Mälaren as a drinking water source and recipient and Himmerfjärden’s wastewater treatment plant with a focus on reuse of treated water. Methods and tools are tested, integrated and scaled up, with particular emphasis on analytical methods, data management and risk assessment. The transition lab also develops financial and governance models, as well as strategies for broad societal acceptance, implementation and legislation.