The aim of the ‘Malcov - Lenartov - Sewerage and WWTP’ project is to build up a modern infrastructure for the collection and treatment of sewage in the Malcov agglomeration, comprising the municipalities of Malcov and Lenartov in the Bardejov district. This step is necessary to ensure the protection of the environment and improve the quality of life of residents, as the current use of cesspools and septic tanks does not meet the requirements for the protection of groundwater and is contrary to Council Directive 91/271/EEC and Slovak Government Regulation No 269/2010. Construction of a sewer network with a total length of 13.027 km, consisting of gravitational and pressure pipes, allowing efficient drainage of domestic sewage. Construction of a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) with a capacity of 3000 equivalent inhabitants (EO according to the project documentation), which will ensure effective treatment of waste water before it is discharged into the receiving Topľa. Connecting at least 2 400 inhabitants (2544EO, which is at least 90% of the 2810 EO agglomeration according to Annex 7 of the call) of the agglomeration to the new sewage network and WWTP, including the marginalised Roma community (MRC), will improve sanitary conditions and quality of life. Reducing the environmental risks associated with the leakage of waste water from cesspools into groundwater, which will contribute to achieving good water status in line with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Compliance with legislative requirements and Water Plan of Slovakia: The project directly supports the objectives of Council Directive 91/271/EEC, which lays down requirements for the collection and treatment of urban waste water in agglomerations above 2 000 p.e. It also contributes to the objectives of the Slovak Water Plan (2021 update), which highlights the need to improve water quality and protect water resources through efficient wastewater management. According to this plan, it is necessary to implement measures to achieve good water status by 2027, which also includes the construction and modernisation of sewage networks and WWTPs in municipalities with insufficient infrastructure by the Ministry of Environment . Long-term benefits: The implementation of the project will contribute to the sustainable development of the region, the improvement of the quality of the environment and the fulfilment of the commitments of the Slovak Republic towards the European Union in the field of environmental policy. Providing modern wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure will improve the quality of life of residents and protect water resources for future generations.