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TAPPING INTO THE UNTAPPED - The potential of reclaimed and non-potable waters to increase water resilience | Athens (and online), 20 June, 14:00-16:30 EET

Greece
20 June 2024 14:00–16:30

Aqua Publica Europea is pleased to invite you to our next public seminar: "Tapping into the Untapped: The potential of reclaimed and non-potable waters to increase water resilience"

Seminar

Tapping into the Untapped: The potential of reclaimed and non-potable waters to increase water resilience 

The event will take place in person at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece) and online.


The increasing impact of climate change on the availability and quality of water resources requires adaptative and agile approaches to increase Europe’s resilience in water management, as pointed out by the European Commission in its recent communication on managing climate risks. Utilising varying qualities of water for different purposes can serve as a viable strategy to alleviate pressure on valuable high-quality freshwater, which should be preserved primarily for drinking purposes. However, transitioning from a system where drinking water is used for all purposes to one that differentiates water quality based on its intended use poses several challenges in terms of governance, technical arrangements, and safety.

Through the insights provided by experts and policymakers, this public seminar aims to explore technological advancements, regulatory developments, and governance frameworks that could facilitate the utilisation of non-potable water for a variety of societal needs.


Agenda (Athens time)

14:00    Welcome address

Bernard Van Nuffel, President, Aqua Publica Europea

 

14:05    Introductory remarks

Petros Varelidis, Secretary-General for Natural Environment and Water, Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy

 

14:15    Setting the scene: Promoting a more agile use of water resources to promote resilience

             Valentina Bastino, Policy Officer for EU Water Legislation and Policy, European Commission’s Directorate General for Environment [online]

 

14:30    Session I: potential (and challenges) of non-potable water – examples from water operators

  • Louise Vanysacker, Manager R&D, De Watergroep (Flanders, Belgium)
  • Giorgos Sachinis, Director of Strategy and Innovation, EYDAP (Athens, Greece)
  • Maria José Chesa, Head of Environment and External Relations Service, Barcelona Cicle de l’Aigua (BCASA) and Jordi Molist, Director of water supply, Catalan Water Agency (Barcelona, Spain) [online]

15:15    Coffee break

 

15:30    Session II:  Panel Discussion How to foster the potential of non-potable water: addressing governance and technical issues 

  • Theodore Bellos, Director of Water Management, Decentralised Administration of Attica
  • Diana Georgakopoulou, Director General, SEV Business Council for Sustainable Development
  • Roberta Maffettone, Scientific Project Officer, European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)
  • Manuel Sapiano, Chief Executive Officer, Malta’s Energy and Water Agency (EWA)

 

16:15    Conclusive remarks: 

George Stergiou, Chair of the Board of Directors, EYDAP

 

Download the final agenda here


Presentations