Objective

Increase resilience to heat waves.

Description

This practice implies cooling by wetting streets. Wetting is more efficient if done in the morning and afternoon without direct sunlight. This technique was already common in Mediterranean cities, but it has become a common practice lately in summer also in the rest of Europe. When 1 l/m2 of water is applied, wetting of streets can decrease air temperature by 2-4°C.

Expected results

Implementation of built environment and technological options.

Result indicators

Decreased air temperature [°C]

Involved actors

Stakeholders involved in the decision-making process to implement new infrastructures in the cities.

Expected timeline for action

• Short term (1-4 years)

Best practices

• Antwerp – Belgium
• Košice and Trnava – Slovakia

Criticalities

This measure could determine an increase in water consumption, which could be unsustainable during droughts.

Scope of the action

• Adaptation

Type of proposed actions

• Grey

Sector of action

• Public health
• Urban settlement
• Water resource management

Climate impacts

• Extreme temperatures

Implementation scale

• Municipality

Source

https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/adaptation-options/water-uses-to-cope-with-heat-waves-in-cities