Flood defences strengthened in Varaždin County: The Lepoglava reservoir is ready for 380,000 cubic meters of water

Construction work on a retention basin built along the Kamenica stream in Varazdin County has been completed, marking a key step in flood protection efforts. The project, which was finished this year, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of water management in Croatia, is designed to safeguard residential areas, agricultural land, infrastructure, and local economies from flooding. The retention basin near Lepoglave is capable of holding up to 380,000 cubic meters of water during a millennium return period and 230,000 cubic meters during a century return period. The catchment area above the dam spans 13.5 square kilometers, while the retention space covers approximately 20 hectares. The new structure, named Kamenica 1, will help reduce peak flow levels on the Kamenica stream and the Bednji River, contributing to more effective flood protection downstream. All essential components of the waterworks were constructed, including an evacuation building with inlet and outlet sections, as well as the main dam body. Approximately 12,000 cubic meters of earth material and around 500 cubic meters of stone material were used for the drainage channel. The total cost of the project amounts to 1,137,862 euros, with 910,289 euros secured through EU grants under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Milan Rezo, director of Croatian Water Management for the Upper Mura Drava watershed, emphasized the significance of the completion of Kamenica 1. “This is not just another built water structure. This is an investment in people’s safety, in the future of the area, and in the resilience of our county against increasingly pronounced consequences of climate change,” he stated. Rezo added that he is particularly pleased with the rapid completion of the structure, which, beyond its primary protective function, opens possibilities for future recreational and other uses. “This is an example of how modern water management should look today, responsible, sustainable, and oriented towards people's needs,” he noted. Kamenica 1 is part of a broader, systematically planned program aimed at developing flood protection systems throughout Varazdin County. Work on the retention basin in Cret, located within the municipality of Bednja, is nearing completion, while preparations are underway for additional retention spaces. The project reflects ongoing efforts to enhance regional resilience against extreme weather events, aligning with national and European strategies for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.