News & Events

AgdA – Águas Públicas do Alentejo, partner of the MARCLAIMED project, presented the project to local communities during a series of public events held across the Alentejo region from 2 to 7 September 2026. During the first week of September, AgdA took part in the Feira da Luz in Montemor-o-Novo, the Annual Fair of Cuba, and the Festas do Concelho in Vendas Novas, using these events as an opportunity to engage directly with citizens and raise awareness about [...]

Water Innovation Europe 2026 will bring the European water community together in Dublin on 13–14 October, and registrations are now open. The event offers an opportunity for researchers, utilities, companies, policymakers, innovators and investors to exchange knowledge, develop new connections and identify opportunities for future collaboration. Taking place under the theme “Raising the Bar for the Water Framework Directive,” this year’s conference will focus on the steps needed to accelerate implementation and strengthen Europe’s water resilience as the [...]

A new scientific publication involving MARCLAIMED partners provides field-scale evidence of how reactive organic layers can enhance water quality when treated wastewater is used for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). The paper, “Enhancing infiltration water quality through reactive organic layers: field-scale evaluation of soil-aquifer treatment managed aquifer recharge using treated wastewater”, has been published in the journal Groundwater for Sustainable Development. The research investigates a Soil-Aquifer Treatment Managed Aquifer Recharge (SAT–MAR) system at the Comporta Wastewater Treatment Plant in [...]

Drought and water shortages are placing growing pressure on countries across both southern and northern Europe. The Netherlands has reported a water shortage after persistent dry weather caused river levels to fall and waterways in some regions to dry up. The shortage is being driven by limited rainfall in different European regions that feed the Rhine and Meuse. At the same time, higher temperatures are increasing evaporation and raising demand from agriculture, households and natural ecosystems. Groundwater levels [...]

Drought conditions are placing increasing pressure on water resources across England. Lower river flows, declining reservoir storage and restrictions on water abstraction are affecting agriculture, public water supplies and natural ecosystems. Even when rainfall returns, short periods of rain may not be sufficient to restore depleted water resources. Managing drought requires retaining water when its available so it can be used more efficiently and managed according to local environmental and agricultural conditions. The MARCLAIMED project is contributing to [...]

The AWR4Climate Cluster, a collaborative initiative between the MARCLAIMED, AWARD, and RECREATE projects, together with Water Europe are organising an online webinar 'How to become a Water-Oriented Living Lab', from 10:00 to 11:30 AM (CEST). The 90-minute online session will tackle one of the most critical hurdles in the water sector: the gap between innovative technological solutions and their widespread acceptance by local communities and policymakers. By bridging science, policy, and public perception, the webinar aims to accelerate [...]

Climate change is increasing pressure on water resources and making future conditions more difficult to predict. A new report from the UN Environment Programme warns that global warming is expected to exceed 1.5°C. This risk could mean extreme weather, damage to ecosystems and growing pressure on water supplies, food production, cities and infrastructure. Reducing emissions remains essential, but communities and water systems must also prepare for changes that are already occurring. Additionally, the World Meteorological Organization forecasts that [...]

Europe is facing a dual water challenge, with prolonged scarcity affecting some regions while intense rainfall and flooding threaten others. Declining rainfall and excessive groundwater extraction are reducing natural aquifer recharge, while flooding can overwhelm drainage systems, damage infrastructure and contaminate water sources. Responding to these pressures requires water to be retained during wet periods rather than drained away immediately. Better maintenance can reduce losses from distribution networks, while reclaimed wastewater, agricultural drainage and other alternative sources can [...]

As Europe confronts intensifying water scarcity, the AWR4Climate Cluster, a collaborative initiative between the MARCLAIMED, AWARD, and RECREATE projects, is set to host a pivotal webinar titled "Building Trust in Alternative Water Resources" on 23 June 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM (CEST). The 90-minute online session will tackle one of the most critical hurdles in the water sector: the gap between innovative technological solutions and their widespread acceptance by local communities and policymakers. By bridging science, policy, and public perception, [...]

The MARCLAIMED project has reached a new milestone in its mission to enhance water security in the Mediterranean. Recently, the project held its fourth stakeholder workshop, bringing together the Community of Practice (CoP) to continue advancing toward water resilience in the Llobregat basin (Baix Llobregat). Testing the Future of Water Management: The IDST This session served as a hands-on platform for key agents in the region's water management sector. Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from the developers themselves, testing and evaluating [...]

The EU-funded MARCLAIMED project is proud to announce the release of its second official newsletter, marking a significant two-year milestone in its mission to combat water scarcity through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). As Europe faces increasing climate-driven water stress, MARCLAIMED is developing sustainable solutions to secure water-resilient futures. The latest edition of the newsletter highlights major technological breakthroughs, international accolades, and progress across its three primary demo sites in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The newsletter also features [...]

Amidst the bustling halls of Water Knowledge Europe 2025, the ZeroPollution4Water cluster brought together the brightest minds in European water management. Among them was Sara Espinosa, Hydrogeologist and Coordinator of the ambitious EU-funded MARCLAIMED project. As the impacts of climate change accelerate, the need for resilient water management has never been more urgent. We sat down with Sara to discuss how MARCLAIMED is turning the tide by redefining how we recharge and manage our precious groundwater resources. What is MARCLAIMED? Sara Espinosa, who [...]

We are thrilled to announce that the MARCLAIMED Comporta Demo has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing 3rd place out of 53 candidates for the prestigious ERSAR Innovation Award 2025. In a highly competitive field of environmental and water management projects, this "podium finish" is a significant victory for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) technology. It highlights a growing recognition across Europe that circular water solutions are essential for a sustainable future. Why this mattersThe MARCLAIMED project, centered in Portugal’s Alentejo region, is a pioneer [...]

From March 2nd to 4th, the serene landscape of Texel, Netherlands, became the hub for European water innovation. Acacia Water was honored to host the 3rd General Assembly of the MARCLAIMED EU consortium, bringing together partners from Portugal, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Austria, and France for three days of reflection, site exploration, and strategic planning. More Than Just a MeetingAt the heart of the MARCLAIMED project is the belief that while data and research are the foundation of our [...]

On 16 April 2026, Water Europe will host the 2026 edition of Water Market Europe (WME) at the NH Hotel Berlaymont in Brussels. This year’s event centers on the transformative potential of Digital Twins, Data Governance, and Artificial Intelligence within the water sector. The Strategy for Water ResilienceThe European Water Resilience Strategy provides a vital framework for increasing the continent’s adaptability and long-term sustainability in managing precious water resources. A primary pillar of this strategy is the large-scale [...]