The WaterMan Project and Another Group of Braniewo Youth Exploring the World of Responsible Water Management!
Today, students from Primary School No. 5 named after the Land of Braniewo visited the Elbląg Technology Park. This was the third meeting in the Sfera Lab educational series. Just like their peers from previous schools, today’s participants took part in workshops focused on water conservation, reuse, and the concept of water footprint.
During the workshops, students:
conducted experiments and tested eco-friendly solutions in practice,
learned about innovative technologies that help protect water resources,
discussed everyday habits that each of us can change to take better care of water.
And tomorrow, another school will be expanding its ecological knowledge!
Climate Consultations in Braniewo
Today, a consultation meeting was held at the Braniewo Cultural Centre as part of the WaterMan project, focusing on the city of Braniewo’s adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
The programme included presentations on:
non-formal education and activities aimed at raising environmental awareness;
the objectives of the WaterMan project;
modelling of urban stormwater drainage systems in the context of climate change and adaptation measures;
multifunctional rain gardens;
pool water recovery;
examples of solutions from other cities in the Baltic Sea region;
the Municipal Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
The meeting brought together representatives from local administration, scientific institutions, and residents interested in local climate policy.
The WaterMan project is implemented under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme.
Sphere Lab as part of Waterman project with SP6 in Braniewo
How to take care of water? Another group of young people from Braniewo already knows it!
The Elblag Technology Park hosted another Sfera Lab educational workshop organized under the WaterMan project. This time our guests were students from Sport Primary School No.6 of Braniewo, accompanied by Tomasz Sielicki Mayor of Braniewo.
During the classes, the youngsters passionately discovered the great importance of saving and reusing water. Participants explored the topic of water footprint, i.e. the hidden consumption of water in the production of food and everyday objects.
The young researchers conducted experiments and participated in practical tasks, learned about innovative technological solutions to conserve water resources, and shared ideas for everyday activities that make a real difference in reducing water consumption.
The commitment and curiosity of the participants show that the young generation wants and is able to act for sustainable development.
This was the second in a series of six meetings - more workshops with students of Braniewo schools are ahead.
WaterMan project partnership meeting and conference - Latvia 1-3.04.2025
On the 1- 3rd of April 2025, a meeting of the WaterMan project partners dedicated to the topic of water recycling took place in Liepaja. This is where partners from Poland, Sweden, Germany, Lithuania, Denmark and Latvia met to discuss how to recycle water, manage it rationally and build the resilience of our regions to climate change. There was also no shortage of enthusiasm, inspiration and joint action.
The first day of the event was marked by the presentation of the finalized action on pilot feasibility studies. The progress of the pilots was discussed:
Feasibility study on reuse of WWTP water for hydrogen electrolysis power plant on Bornholm
Feasibility study on reuse of water from large-scale WWTPs / fit-for-purpose purification for industrial & commercial use in Berlin
Feasibility study on dual pipe system for reuse of treated water in public building in Kalmar
Each of the partners involved in the implementation of the pilots presented the status and results achieved up to the meeting. There was a discussion and comments from experts on the implemented pilots. The last part of the day was devoted to the created tools "PR Toolkit" and "Water Recycling Toolbox & Helpdesk". Discussions were held regarding the last project events such as the EUSBSR Annual Forum in Gdansk on October 29-30, 2025, the Roundtable Discussion in Brussels on November 6, 2025, the study visit and conference in Braniewo on September 24-26, 2025 and the final conference in Kalmar on November 25-27, 2025.
WaterMan Day 2 in Saldus – conference
The second day of the WaterMan project event was dedicated to a conference for local recipients in Saldus.
The participants were warmly welcomed by the Saldus city authorities and then the project assumptions were presented. In recent years, the demand for water has been constantly growing, which is why we have to consider different methods of recycled water.
In the European Union, there are regions struggling with water shortages, but also those where is an excess. Within the WaterMan project, we want to promote “water recycling” which will be implemented through 11 pilots and 7 strategies.
During the meeting, the following people gave their presentations:
Ilona Vilne – Challenges of water management and potential of water recycling in Latvia
Jurjis Kondratenko – Strategy of water management and recycling for the Kurzeme region (Development of a strategy of water management and water recycling for the Kurzeme region: state of play and upcoming steps)
Veerle Depuydt – Stormwater management
Phillipe Seger – smart streets concept and "B-rain connect" - as a solution for collective management and recycling of stormwater.
The project representatives also presented project pilots implemented in Braniewo, Kalmar and Saldus
Third day of WaterMan in Liepaja – Strategic planning for the future of water
On the 3rd of April 2025, participants of the international WaterMan project met in Liepaja (Latvia), to jointly summarize the activities and make plans for the next stages of the project implementation. The third day of the event was devoted entirely to reviewing the strategies developed by partners from different regions of Europe and to discusse on key challenges related to water management.
Focus on strategy and cooperation
The main goal of the day was to analyze the developed local and regional model strategies for water recycling. Partners from Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Germany presented their approaches, experiences and plans for the future. The meeting was in the form of a workshop – each partner had the opportunity to present their activities, receive feedback and consult further steps with experts.
Local approaches, common vision
During the presentations, various approaches to the topic of water were revealed – from the analysis of the effects of drought on agriculture (Lithuania), through raising public awareness (Sweden), to technical issues related to wastewater quality and its reuse (Denmark). The common denominator for all regions was the concern for the future of water resources, the need for educational activities and the necessity of cooperation between local governments, institutions and residents.
Discussions and plans
Participants focused on a constructive exchange of experiences and refining strategies, so that they were able to adapt them to local conditions.
WaterMan Study Trip Water recycling as an instrument for safeguarding climate-resilient water supply in humid regions
As part of the Waterman project, a second study trip took place from January 14–16, 2025, focusing on water recycling practices in a humid region. This trip, held in Belgium, offered participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative water management systems across four locations. The study visits demonstrated practical approaches to recycling water and adapting to climate challenges in both urban and industrial contexts.
Day 1: Pioneering Water Reuse Schemes in Belgium
Case Study 1: The Torreele / St-André Water Reuse Scheme
The first visit took participants to Koksijde, where Aquaduin, a regional water company, operates the Torreele / St-André water reuse system. Established in 2002, this facility was one of the first in humid regions to adopt indirect potable reuse. The facility transforms treated wastewater from the Torreele WWTP into infiltration water, which is then used to recharge the groundwater in the nearby dunes.
Key features include:
A multi-stage cleaning process to ensure water quality.
Seasonal chlorination levels: lower in winter, higher in summer.
A system producing approximately 50% of its infiltration water from recycled wastewater.
This project underscores the importance of collaboration with municipalities and local stakeholders to sustain potable water supplies in a tourist-heavy region.
Case Study 2: Water Recycling in the "De Nieuwe Dokken" District
The second stop was the "De Nieuwe Dokken" urban development in Ghent, Flanders' first circular city district. Managed by DuCoop, the site integrates water recycling into a broader circular economy model, addressing energy, waste, and water management in a closed-loop system.
Highlights include:
Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for 244 households, offices, and a nearby factory.
Source separation for black water, grey water, and kitchen waste.
Recovery of approximately 20% of heat from wastewater.
Energy storage systems and air-source heat pumps for sustainable heating.
This district exemplifies how urban planning can reduce water consumption, with residents using only 60 liters daily (compared to Belgium’s average of 100 liters). Future plans include connecting nearby neighborhoods to maximize resource sharing.
Day 2: Innovative Industrial Water Reuse
Case Study 3: Reuse of Municipal Wastewater at Dow in Terneuzen
The second day began with a visit to Terneuzen in the Netherlands, where Dow, a petrochemical company, collaborates with local partners to recycle municipal wastewater for industrial use. Initiated in the 1990s, this large-scale project treats wastewater at the local WWTP and transports it 12 km to Dow’s facility. There, it undergoes further purification and is reused in manufacturing and cooling processes.
Notable achievements:
The addition of constructed wetlands for pre-treatment, moving closer to a fully circular water system.
Reduction of freshwater demand, addressing both seasonal droughts and flood risks common in the Netherlands.
Integration of rainwater harvesting for agricultural use in nearby greenhouses.
This public-private partnership demonstrates the potential of nature-based solutions and cross-sector collaboration to tackle water scarcity challenges.
The participants then went to the University of Ghent, more precisely to the Kortrijk Campus. There they discussed the recycling of water for industrial purposes in the South of the Netherlands, based on the case of the Dow petrochemical complex in Terneuzen. The next topic was the use of artificial wetlands as a natural solution for pre-treatment in the water recycling system of the Dow petrochemical complex in Terneuzen.
In addition, the participants visited the artificial wetlands on the Kortrijk Campus, where a representative of the University of Ghent spoke about the investment.
Day 2: Climate-Resilient Neighborhoods
Case Study 4: Rainwater Recycling in Wiekevorst
The final visit showcased the innovative "smart street" concept in Wiekevorst, a greenfield residential project with 33 homes and supermarket. The development incorporates collective rainwater harvesting, recycling, and urban raingardens to create a climate-resilient community.
Key features include:
Rainwater accounting for two-thirds of water use for toilets and gardens.
Municipal water reserved for drinking purposes.
Design elements that buffer, infiltrate, and delay drainage to prevent flooding and water shortages.
The project’s success relies on involving new participants, such as schools and businesses, while educating residents about the benefits of sustainable water management.
Key Takeaways and Discussions
On the final day, participants gathered to discuss the broader implications of water recycling for the South Baltic Region, particularly in the context of climate adaptation. The Waterman project, initiated in 2023, has evolved from focusing on water quality to addressing water reuse and climate resilience.
Challenges Highlighted:
Regulatory gaps and a lack of quality standards for recycled water in agriculture and industry.
High investment costs and limited funding for less affluent regions.
Social resistance in some European countries.
Success Stories:
The Swedish city of Kalmar piloted UV-disinfected treated wastewater for urban irrigation.
Belgium's "Blue Deal" program funds innovative water projects with regional and EU support.
Looking Ahead
Water recycling has the potential to strengthen local water systems against climate change, but success depends on collaboration across local, regional, and EU levels. Key priorities include raising public awareness, establishing clear legal frameworks, and expanding financial support.
Upcoming events will continue fostering knowledge exchange and best practices among stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable future for water management in the Baltic and beyond.
Waterman - study visit in Berlin - day 3
On the last day of the visit to the German partner, the Waterman project held discussions with experts, at “topic tables.” Topics ranged from stormwater pollution, wastewater treatment, water reuse monitoring, microbiological and chemical risk management and water treatment.
Each partner also gave a presentation related to their ongoing pilots, focusing on issues such as anticipated recycled water user groups, ways to engage the above groups in the pilots and motivate them to use recycled water, and methods for evaluating water use. The session included time for questions, comments and open discussion on the above topics. We also addressed an update on the status of the project work, support for model strategies, and set directions for further activities in the Waterman project.
