Meet Måns – an expert in water treatment
As climate change, new environmental regulations, and emerging geopolitical demands put increasing pressure on water supply systems, Sweden faces an urgent need to modernize its neglected water and sewage infrastructure. In this story, we meet Måns Lundh, Lead Process Specialist - an expert in water treatment.
Måns Lundh works at the department Water Environment Technology, WET (Vatten och Miljöteknik, VMT), as a Lead Process Specialist with focus on the production of drinking water. NCC is developing this area because of the great need in society for investment to meet demands now and in the future. Water shortage, old infrastructure, climate change and tougher requirements on quality and security, calls for immediate action.
“In 2023, the estimate for annual investment need for water and sewage infrastructure is SEK 31 billion* in Sweden. At the same time, the industry is struggling with resources and financing so the maintenance dept is also increasing,” says Måns Lundh.
The need for system upgrades
The lack of maintenance in Swedish water treatment plants is partly due to an optimistic view on the future and thus municipalities overestimating their population growth rate in the 1960s. The population did not increase as expected and the plants were built with excess capacity in many cases, allowing upgrades to be postponed — until now.
“Water shortages don’t always mean there’s no water. In cities like Stockholm, the issue often lies in the limited capacity of water treatment plants, not the supply itself. But in areas like Gotland, Öland, and southeastern Sweden, the challenge is a genuine lack of freshwater, which often makes expensive desalination of Baltic Sea water necessary,“ says Måns Lundh.
Like an architect for water purification
With the growing need for upgrades, experts like Måns play a key role in shaping the future of water treatment—starting from the very first stages of each project. His role is often likened to that of an architect—designing tailored water treatment solutions based on the unique conditions of each project.
“It's always fun when I can be a part of the whole project from study to handing over the treatment plant,” says Måns Lundh.
The most interesting and challenging part of the role
One of the biggest challenges in the role of Lead Process Specialist is finding technical solutions that all project stakeholders feel confident in. Måns Lundh describes his role as the facilitator - making possible the development of the treatment process so that the client as well as the consultants and contractors, are satisfied with the final solution.
“It’s a journey – and the end-result often differs from the idea we started with. Together we learn along the way, which enables us to modify and develop the process into the tailored solution we want,” says Måns Lundh and continues:
“I love the interactivity in my job – to experience the energy and unexpected ideas when knowledgeable and creative people collaborate. The level of innovation becomes so much higher when working together, and that’s amazing!”
*Estimate from the trade association Svenskt Vatten