Urban drainage is now a growing urgency
As climate change intensifies, our cities are being tested by heavier rainfall and more intense flooding. The old model of rapid water removal is no longer fit for purpose: it simply can’t keep up. Our workshop, Urban drainage between urgency and innovation, explored best practice and looked at how cities are reinventing the model. From turning to sponge city concepts to incorporating green and blue infrastructure and smart monitoring to manage stormwater more sustainably, innovation is reshaping how cities live with and manage water.
Speakers from across the sector shared examples showing that the shift from traditional drainage to integrated solutions isn’t as much a choice as it is a survival strategy. The takeaway: building cities that absorb, reuse and live with water means building cities that are more resilient in the face of climate change.
Water losses and digitization: Life after the PNRR
Italy’s PNRR investments have provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help modernise the country’s economy. But a bigger question looms: after funding dries up, how can we ensure the PNRR’s achievements are lasting for Italy’s water infrastructure? Our second workshop, Reducing water losses and digitization, looked into this tricky issue.
The discussion focused on how to keep the momentum going. We delved into the importance of setting long-term targets for loss reduction and full network digitalization by 2035, strengthening regulation and skills, and embedding innovation into everyday operations. The message from experts and operators alike was resounding: the PNRR must be the beginning of a lasting transformation rather than the end of a project cycle.
Collaboration is key
One theme that emanated through both sessions was that the best results will come from collaboration. By sharing best practice, embracing digital tools and creating a culture of innovation, the Italian water sector can build a sustainable foundation with room to grow.
Our team is looking forward to bringing together more people to talk through ideas, technology and how to better collaborate to keep the momentum going.
