In the pilot site located in Bucharest, Romania, the AWARD project is testing how nature-based solutions can be used to treat and reuse urban stormwater collected from rooftops and streets. This pilot investigates simple, low-cost filtration methods inspired by natural processes, assessing their effectiveness against Romanian and European water quality standards.
From Rainwater to Reuse: Testing Natural Filters
The pilot tested two filtration systems using sand, gravel, and activated charcoal as filter media. These materials, common in natural environments, are known for their capacity to remove pollutants through physical and biological processes.
Key Findings
- Activated charcoal proved highly effective, reducing total coliforms to undetectable levels.
- Both filter types successfully removed heavy metals such as lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd).
- Performance varied by pollutant, indicating that each filter material offers distinct advantages depending on the target contaminant.
Supporting Sustainable Urban Water Management
Implemented in the Lacul Circului area of Bucharest, this pilot provides valuable insights for advancing urban water reuse and promoting sustainable, decentralized water systems. By testing and validating nature-based approaches, the AWARD project contributes to the development of resilient and environmentally responsible urban infrastructureacross Europe.
This work represents an important step toward more sustainable and adaptive urban water management.