#flashfloods

Marcelová and Nagykovácsi joined forces to eliminate a problem persisting on both sides of the border:frequent flooding and inundation. In addition to the loss of green areas, increased groundwater caused by mine closures makes flash floods difficult to drain. Although this is primarily a source of danger, the project also looks at the benefits of water retention seeking maximised use.The project can be an effective intervention to address a common problem, via the professional collaboration of two municipalities.
Marcelová has been working for years on improving the quality of life for its residents providing innovative and ecologic solutions contributing to the reduction of negative impacts of climate change. The present project is aimed at capturing rainwater, enabling its further use and preventing floods. In the most intensively affected areas of the municipality, where rain and groundwater cause prolonged flooding, soakage and retention ditches will be built along the lines of current drainage trenches. Excess water damaging buildings and roads will be drained into the subsoil, while its maximum possible capacity will be captured and used for irrigation of green areas in the village.
In Nagykovácsi, rainwater streaming from the adjacent mountains is a constant issue, which also affects the surrounding settlements of the Budapest agglomeration and the II. district of the capital. The project therefore addresses the construction of a 15 000 m3 water reservoir by the Ördögárok stream, which will provide temporary storage of rainwater, prolong the water outflow time and increase the protection of the municipality and the 2nd district as well as the residents and properties in the area. At the same time, the banks of the inland section of the stream will be reinforced. Former public wells will be cleaned, and their water used for irrigation of green and public areas, contributing to the improvement of the municipality’s water management.
Accordingly, the project contributes to the collection, retention and reuse of rainwater, the reduction of potable water consumption for non-drinking purposes, the minimisation of floodrisk and damage to public or private property due to heavy rainfall, as well as the improvement of the two municipalities’ microclimate.