Stormwater management

Stormwater is rainwater and meltwater that flows over the ground, roofs of buildings, and other surfaces. Drainage water from building foundations, also known as drain water, is stormwater. Stormwater can cause urban flooding and impair the water quality of waterways. 

Stormwater is managed in built-up areas by channeling the water away using a stormwater system and by delaying stormwater using permeable surfaces, vegetation, and, for example, constructed wetlands.

Stormwater system

Traditionally, stormwater has been channeled through stormwater drains or ditches to the nearest watercourses or the terrain. To reduce flood damage and improve stormwater quality, stormwater is sometimes delayed in stormwater basins and wetlands. Stormwater is also channeled into open ditches and its flow can be slowed down, for example, by using wetlands.

The city is responsible for the stormwater system, but the city and property owners are jointly responsible for the system's functionality and maintenance.

Imatra does not have a separate stormwater fee.

Storm water program

The City of Imatra will prepare a stormwater program in 2025, the aim of which is to improve stormwater management and create a sustainable and functional strategy for the treatment of rainwater and meltwater.

As part of the program's preparation, the city conducted a resident survey to collect information based on local knowledge about stormwater flooding and other stormwater problems.