D5.7 Roadmap for prevention and management of runoff pollution in cities

This deliverable presents a roadmap for how municipalities can prevent and manage runoff pollution, based on the results generated in Work Package 5 (WP5) of the D4RUNOFF project. The roadmap translates the project’s technical findings into practical guidance that can be integrated into existing municipal planning, regulation and infrastructure management. Across the WP5 case studies, the final testing demonstrated that hybrid nature-based solutions and source-oriented measures can reduce runoff volumes, peak flows and selected pollutant loads under real urban conditions. Performance varied by site and pollutant, and persistent compounds such as PFAS remained difficult to remove, highlighting the need for realistic expectations and strong focus on prevention and maintenance. Validation activities confirmed that monitoring frameworks, modelling tools and assessment methods used in WP5 are robust and suitable for municipal planning, although their effective use depends on data availability and institutional capacity. Replication assessments showed that technical concepts are transferable, but successful uptake requires alignment with local governance structures, regulatory conditions and stakeholder readiness. Early engagement and transparent communication were found to be critical enablers.
Building on these findings, the roadmap provides strategic objectives and recommended actions for municipalities, including early integration of runoff considerations into planning and permitting, improved cross-departmental coordination, use of proportionate monitoring approaches, and context-sensitive deployment of nature-based and hybrid solutions. A phased implementation approach allows cities to progress according to their capacity and local conditions. The roadmap supports the implementation of EU policy objectives such as the Water Framework Directive, the Zero Pollution Action Plan and climate adaptation strategies by strengthening the practical ability of municipalities to address runoff pollution through preventive and integrated approaches.