This year, researchers from Klaipėda University (KU) have been studying the water quality of the Vilhelms Canal, which is of great importance to the region's population and unique in Lithuania, and the potential risks of climate change. What the new research has revealed and what we should do to better protect the canal and the surrounding nature, say the experts.

Canal vulnerable

The 25 km-long Wilhelm Canal, which is more than 150 years old, stretches from the River Minija to the Curonian Lagoon's Malkai Bay in the Klaipėda Strait. The canal was dug in 1863–1873 to transport wooden chalices through the canal rather than the lagoon, thus protecting against the losses and storms that often hit the lagoon during the cold season.

In the 1970s, the canal's water was used for drinking water supply. Before it reaches consumers, the water is carefully filtered to match the quality of groundwater. However, the canal is extremely vulnerable to various factors.

„The area around the canal is not only full of forests and wetlands, but also agricultural and industrial activities. It can also be affected by surface water flowing from settlements, which can be contaminated by domestic sewage. These risks make the water status of the canal in need of constant attention, research and protection measures. After all, the canal is important not only for the inhabitants of Klaipėda, but also for the plant and animal species that live in the canal ecosystem," says KU professor Dr. Inga Dailidienė.

The study of the Wilhelm Canal was carried out by KU researchers at the initiative of the company „Philip Morris Lietuva“, which operates a factory in Klaipėda. Last year, the company was awarded the international „Alliance for Water Stewardship“ (AWS) certificate. The AWS Standard covered a range of measures related to sustainable water use and conservation. These include additional studies of surrounding watersheds, including the Wilhelm Canal.

Most at risk – residents

The researchers estimated that the greatest risk to the Wilhelm Canal is posed by the Dituva Gardens settlement, which is home to about 55.6% of the population of the entire canal basin and is the focus of the majority of the economic activities, construction, agriculture, and expanding urbanisation. Surface waters adjacent to the Dituva Gardens drainage canals and connected to the canal are contaminated with phosphorus and low in oxygen in some areas, indicating increased pollution and the potential for negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.

The canal is at high risk from warming temperatures and rising water levels in the Curonian Lagoon, which increase the risk of flooding in the canal basin. The canal passes through low-lying areas dominated by marshland, especially in the lower reaches of the Minija River. The canal is 0.5–1 m above sea level and its banks are quite low, making the region susceptible to flooding. Climate change, rising water levels in the Baltic Sea and the lagoon, more frequent heavy rainfall and stronger westerly winds could lead to higher than normal flooding. A key criterion for assessing flood risk is how much area is likely to be flooded under extreme hydrometeorological conditions.

„High probability floods can inundate up to 15% of an area, medium probability floods up to 21% and the rarest but most dangerous floods up to 43% of a canal basin. This points to the need to upgrade the Canal's deteriorating polder system, drainage networks and embankments. New embankments need to be built, taking into account climate change, terrain and scientific studies," said KU Ph. Erika Vasiliauskienė.

Scientists, who have made additional measurements, note that at Lankupiai, the share of the canal water taken from the Minia should be adjusted to different hydrometeorological conditions. The amount of water measured during the study flowing downstream at the respective water levels was higher than previously thought. It is therefore important to increase the number of monitoring stations and measurements in the canal, and to revise the estimates of water levels after cleaning or dredging of the canal bed and during major floods.

A joint effort is needed

Researchers argue that joint inter-agency coordination and consensus is needed to save the canal. Equally important is the responsibility of businesses and citizens, says Ugnius Dapkūnas, Head of Sustainability at „Philip Morris Lietuva“.

„Klaipėda has a large number of industrial companies and it is important for businesses to take as many measures as possible to achieve clean water bodies. This requires water audits and monitoring systems so that businesses can assess where they consume a lot of water and where there are potential leaks. There is also a need to encourage employees to adopt water-saving practices and to educate them about the importance of responsible water use," says the expert.

Businesses can also introduce water recycling and reuse systems. For example, rainwater harvesting can be used for landscaping. Investing in water-efficient facilities is essential.

„It is important to integrate water management goals and objectives into a company's sustainability policy, ensuring that water efficiency becomes a key aspect of the company's environmental performance. Wherever possible, companies should rethink processes to reduce water consumption and invest in innovations that promote conservation," notes U. Dapkūnas.

What can residents do?

Citizens can also contribute to the conservation of the Wilhelm Canal and other water bodies. It is important that they not only use water responsibly, but also treat their wastewater accordingly, so that the water that goes back into nature is cleaner.

Those who want to reduce their water consumption are advised to keep track of how much and where they use water, check that appliances are working properly and that they are not causing water loss. Residents must maintain their treatment plants and keep wastewater out of the environment at the prescribed intervals. Based on the experience of other countries where drinking water is becoming scarce due to rising consumption and climate change, savings can also be made by choosing to shower instead of taking a full bath, installing water-saving taps, turning off the water when brushing your teeth, filling washing machines and dishwashers to the full, and selecting the „Eco“ washing modes on them.

You can contribute to reducing the pollution of wastewater discharged into the environment by not throwing unauthorised substances down the toilet and sink. These include oils, fats, sauces, coffee grounds, chewing gum, bleach, sanitary products, hair, paper towels. Eco-friendly household chemicals, cosmetics, plastics and synthetic materials should be avoided, as they can break down into microplastics and end up in the environment as wastewater.