Challenge
It is estimated that around 2 million tourists visit the Baltic Sea coast in July and August, with 200,000 of them coming to the picturesque municipality of Rewal — and this number is still growing. What does this mean?
Above all, it means enormous development pressure related to the expansion of tourism infrastructure: hotels, entire areas designated for rental cottages, and stormwater, which, surprisingly, does not flow towards the sea at all. The drainage and retention system is based on a network of ditches that discharge into the Lądkowski Canal beyond the municipality’s boundaries. Ensuring comfort for residents also requires the creation of paved public spaces. It turns out that while we love sand on the beach, sand in our shoes is a different matter altogether.
Solution
We began by carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the municipality’s situation, including the identification of surface runoff pathways, an inventory of sealed surfaces and the drainage system, and an assessment of its operating conditions. Hazard assessment, spatial analyses, evaluation of development conditions, combined with the expertise of our specialists, made it possible to identify coherent areas for which we formulated recommendations for the development or improvement of stormwater management.
For one selected key area, we carried out analyses using a digital twin — a hydrodynamic model. This resulted in a specific concept for solutions for that area, along with a Functional and Operational Programme (FOP), making it possible to move directly from planning to implementation.
Benefits
A model project for coastal areas:
- in-depth understanding of stormwater management and a well-informed municipal team;
- a clearly defined action strategy focused on key areas;
- consideration of different development options for the drainage and retention system;
- design solutions tailored to the municipality’s financial capacity;
- strong emphasis on the development of blue-green infrastructure and on-site stormwater management;
- attractive elements promoting a modern approach to rainwater as a valuable resource.