Promotion of the Implementation of the European Water Framework Directive in Public Wastewater Disposal (Directive Wastewater/WFD)

The funding program “Promotion of the Implementation of the European Water Framework Directive in Public Wastewater Disposal (RiLi Wastewater/WFD)” is aimed at municipal wastewater disposal authorities in the state of Brandenburg. The goal is sustainable water management through targeted investments in wastewater treatment plants and stormwater treatment facilities to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic pollutant inputs. Funding is provided for technical upgrades, capacity expansions, and new construction of wastewater treatment plants, as well as the construction of balancing basins and the diversion of wastewater to facilities with higher nutrient retention. Grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible costs—depending on the population size of the catchment area—support municipal institutions in implementing the ecological requirements of the WFD. The maximum funding amount is €500,000 (minimum threshold €50,000), whereby renovations or new constructions for the treatment of rainwater in separate sewer systems also cover expenditure elements. Applications can be submitted continuously and no later than before the start of the measure to the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg (ILB).

A prerequisite for funding is the submission of a water law permit, remediation order, or regulatory directive requiring a reduction of pollutant inputs. Additionally, technical expert opinions, approval planning, and official permits must be submitted. If several implementation variants exist, a dynamic cost comparison is required to determine the most economically advantageous solution. The funding contributes to making municipal wastewater infrastructure climate-resilient and environmentally sound, improving water quality in the long term, and supporting contributions to the European Water Framework Directive objectives. Interested public institutions receive assistance with application preparation and consult directly with the ILB as the central funding partner of the state of Brandenburg.