Bli en antibiotikasmart vatten- och avloppsverksamhet (Become an antibiotic-smart water and wastewater business)

Objectives and Target Audience

Objective(s)

1. Prevent the spread of antibiotic residues and resistant microbes into the environment.
2. Promote engagement, systematic improvement, measurement, prevention, and knowledge building in the sector

Target audience

Public utility organisations

water distribution networks

drinking water plants

wastewater treatment facilities

Operational staff

environmental engineer

operators

Campaign Scope

National

Collaborations

Partners or Allies

Vinnova

RISE – Research Institutes of Sweden

Municipalities and Regions

Communication Strategy

Communication Channels Used

websites/blogs

Posters

Press releases

Community events

Presentations

Campaign Material(s)

Guides

Support documents

PowerPoints

Key messages

The water and wastewater sector (WAS) has a key role in the work towards an antibiotic-smart Sweden. By working with the AntibioticSmart Sweden criteria, you contribute to counteracting the spread of antibiotic substances and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in society and the environment. (source: https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/antibiotikasmart-sverige/bli-antibiotikasmart/vatten-och-avlopp/vatten-och-avlopp-kriterier/)

Campaign Focus

Environment

Campaign Setting

Water and sewerage

Design and Content

Use of Scientific Evidence

Implicit Evidence-Based Messaging

Pedagogical Approach

Educational model applied

Participatory

Constructivist

Transmissive

Content Complexity Level

Intermediate

Diversity and Inclusion

Content accessibility

Yes

Content accessibility

Audio description

Involvement of Vulnerable Groups

Cultural Sensitivity and Contextualization

Dissemination and Sustainability

Continuity strategy

Campaign with regular updates

Implementation/Dissemination Period(s)

Campaign Start Year

2019

Campaign End Year

2024

Replicability

Yes

Content usage license

Free

Campaign Status

Active

Impact Evaluation

Quantitative impact indicators

Number of pilot and diploma-awarded organisations

Qualitative impact indicators

Participations

Measured results

1. Diploma awards: Norrvatten (Nov 2024) and Gästrike vatten (Jan 2025) confirmed implementation success .
2. Descriptions of participation in municipal workgroups (although not clear).

Funding

Estimated budget

2 200 000 €

Lessons and Observations

Identified gaps

No scientific evidence or references, unclear if evidence-based

Credibility assumed due to source, no references

Accessible formats for hearing impaired users not provided

Key messages not clearly indicated

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section not included

Interactive features not included

Audience-specific content not evident

Reporting on results or impact not found

Outreach activities not documented

Potentially:
1. Measuring antibiotic levels in incoming wastewater.
2. Reducing bypass of biological treatment stages.
3. Safe sludge handling to prevent environmental antibiotic spread

Lessons learned

"Listen" button available improves accessibility for different audience

1. Some defined quantitative indicators: Number of pilot and diploma-awarded organisations (e.g., Norrvatten, Gästrike vatten).
2. Sector engagement works: Active participation in municipal groups builds inter-sector understanding.
3. Pilot programs pay off: Early roll-out with major utilities enables proof-of-concept and recognition.
4. Diplomas motivate: Structured recognition encourages uptake and visibility within the sector.

Identified biases

1. Possible Selection Bias: Pilot participants may be larger or more environmental-aware utilities.
2. Reporting Bias: Reliance on self-reported data and qualitative submissions may vary in consistency.
3. Capacity Bias: Smaller plants may face challenges meeting measurement and planning criteria.

Identified Weaknesses

Lack of scientific evidence

Unclear or confusing messaging

Poor visual design

Limited accessibility

Limited feedback loop

1. Lack of qualitative and quantitative indicators e.g. Measurement frequency of antibiotic substances and indicator bacteria in effluent water; Volumes of unprocessed wastewater overflow and treatment metrics; Number of upstream-sector engagements documented.
2. Limited measurement adoption: Advanced metrics (e.g., incoming water antibiotic levels) are not mandatory and may be unevenly applied.
3. Resource disparities: Smaller or under-resourced facilities may struggle with required measurement and planning.
4. No gamification mechanisms: Diploma recognition may not sustain motivation without ongoing reinforcement.

Identified Strengths

Endorsements by Trusted Institutions

1. Collaborative design: Criteria developed in dialogue with actual sector professionals
2. Recognition structure: Diplomas awarded publicly (e.g., Norrvatten, Gästrike vatten) for credible progress
3. Supportive materials: Templates and letter guides facilitate sector engagement

Documents