The Bolmen Research Station was established in 2017, and since then researchers from several universities have conducted studies at the site. In parallel, the station has welcomed thousands of students through the Tänk H2O! initiative. Until now, research activities have taken place in temporary facilities. However, through an agreement with the local operator Tiraholm Fish, permanent research facilities will now be constructed.
“To ensure that Sydvatten can operate sustainably in the foreseeable future, it is essential that we understand the health of the lake and how climate change affects its ecological status. This knowledge is crucial for treating the water in the safest and most efficient way to produce high-quality drinking water. A permanent research station ensures that research can be conducted safely, securely, and with the long-term perspective that scientific work requires,” says Ilmar Reepalu, Chair of Sydvatten’s Board.
One of Sydvatten’s primary goals is to safeguard and further develop the water sources used for drinking water production. Research at the Bolmen Research Station focuses on environmental monitoring, fisheries and fisheries management, water management initiatives, and the impacts of climate change on the lake’s ecosystems, all with the aim of securing long-term access to safe drinking water. Lake Bolmen supplies drinking water to more than half a million people in Skåne every day.
“Bolmen Research Station is open to all universities and colleges wishing to conduct research on Lake Bolmen and its surrounding environment. We look forward to welcoming researchers and new partners for many years to come. A permanent research station is a dream come true,” says Juha Rankinen, Director of Bolmen Research Station.
The permanent facility will be built on the premises of Tiraholm Fish, a visitor destination operated by the Ekwall family since the early 1980s.
“The establishment of the Bolmen Research Station aligns perfectly with our ambition to strengthen Tiraholm and Lake Bolmen as a center for inland fisheries and freshwater environments. We look forward to closely following and contributing to the research conducted in and around Bolmen, helping to ensure the lake’s long-term health. Locating the station at Tiraholm will also make it easier to share research findings with the public. The facilities will be built by local craftsmen, and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026,” says Malin Ekwall, CEO of Tiraholm Fish.
Sketches of the planned new buildings at Bolmen Research Station (drawings by Anders Lundin, FOJAB)