On May 27, 2025, Solaro hosted a Local Water Forum under the European AWARD project, bringing citizens and experts together to explore sustainable water practices. The event emphasized EU Green Deal goals and the importance of reducing, recycling, and reusing water.
From 28 to 31 October 2025, the Metropolitan City of Milan hosted the third General Assembly of the AWARD project at the Palazzo Isimbardi. Partners from across Europe gathered to take stock of the progress achieved so far and to outline the next steps toward more resilient and circular water management in European territories.
The European AWARD project was presented by Fabio Masi at WETPOL 2025, a biennial event where scientists from around the globe gather to discuss strategies for protecting and restoring natural wetlands and exploring how nature-based solutions can support effective water management.
At the 18th edition of H2O – Accadueo 2025, held at BolognaFiere, Fabio Masi presented the European AWARD Project during a study day entirely dedicated to urban drainage, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and the National Association of Area Governance Entities for Water and Waste (AneA), Figure 1.
This article explores the potential of stormwater to recharge urban aquifers and sustain city lakes through a demonstration case in Bucharest’s Circus Lake area. By integrating surface water and groundwater modelling, monitoring, and hydraulic analysis, the project examines how urban stormwater can be more effectively managed. Key activities include data collection, stormwater treatment, bioretention system design, and assessment of lake–aquifer interactions. The work aims to reduce pressure on sewer networks while enhancing urban water resilience.