Kauno vandens ir aplinkosaugos plėtra ir jos vystymo perspektyvos

At the beginning of the 16th century the wealthy residents of Kaunas already started thinking of centralised water supply network construction. In the middle of the 16th century three clean water wells were found in Zaliakalnis district, between Pakalnes and Mackeviciaus streets and the wells were used as a basis for the construction of water supply network of wooden pipes. A waste water network above the ground was constructed in Kaunas in parallel with the wooden water supply network. However, the wooden network was destroyed by wars, fires and time. After the declaration of independence in 1918 and later when Kaunas became the temporary capital of the Republic of Lithuania, the need for centralised water supply and waste water networks emerged. In 1924 the construction of waste water network was started. It was based on the design prepared by company 'David Grove' from Berlin and in 1928 the water supply network construction was commenced. During the Soviet period (1944-1990) Kaunas became a large industrial, research and cultural centre. A lot of water handling facilities and networks were constructed, however, the town was short of water during some periods. Kaunas was one of a few towns in Europe which had no waste water treatment plants (WWTP). Untreated waste water was discharged to the Neris and Nemunas rivers through 13 outlets. No beaches were functioning in Kaunas, water sports and tourism were not developed. Discussions on the site for waste water treatment plant construction lasted for 20 years. Eventually in 1989 a visit of specialists to Stockholm was arranged by the water supply-waste water system managing staff. Swedish specialists assisted in making decision on WWTP site and in the plant design and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania solved the financing issues. After the restoration of independence of Lithuania the first task for the country and town leaders was to start the construction of WWTP.[...]Vytauto Didžiojo universiteta