Spring began with an opportunity to introduce our project to a wider audience in Poland . On 3–4 March, the 10th anniversary edition of the Stormwater Poland, organised by our partner RetencjaPL, took place in Poznań. As Poland´s largest event dedicated to stormwater management, retention, and blue‑green infrastructure, the conference attracted more than 400 participants, including practitioners, researchers, and representatives of public administration.
During the opening session “Decade of Water,” Prof. Ulrich Dittmer (RPTU) presented the evolution of stormwater management approaches — from a model focused on rapid drainage to concepts based on retention and the reuse of water resources. In this context, the idea developed within the DECIRE project aligns with the latest stage of this transformation. It can be understood as a new paradigm that integrates earlier approaches while extending them through a circularity perspective. In practice, this implies a return to solutions inspired by natural processes, now implemented using advanced technologies that ensure operational safety and economic efficiency.
Although contemporary stormwater management systems draw heavily on nature‑based principles, they are becoming increasingly complex, particularly in terms of their integration into the urban fabric. Effective implementation requires close coordination with urban planning, public space design, and transport systems. In this setting, knowledge exchange and the sharing of practical experience are crucial—and are most effectively achieved through direct interaction at industry events such as Stormwater Poland. Within the DECIRE‑WATER project, we are actively working to equip stakeholders with the knowledge needed to plan and implement such integrated solutions.
During the conference, both during technical sessions and in the exhibition area, our partners – RetencjaPL and Ecol-Unicon engaged in discussions with participants and potential project stakeholders. These conversations covered both the conceptual foundations of DECIRE-WATER and the practical aspects of implementing retention and water reuse systems in urban environments. The event also provided an opportunity to present our promotional materials for the first time and to meet in person with a member of the project’s Advisory Board, Dr. Ewa Milczarek.
Representatives of several cities expressed their interest in participating in upcoming stakeholder workshops which will be organized in cooperation with Ecol-Unicon, the partner responsible for Demosite 3: Domestic wastewater and rainwater treatment in urban area buildings . This demonstrator enables the reuse of treated stormwater for non-potable purposes , as well as the use of treated domestic wastewater for toilet flushing.
We consider participation in the Stormwater Poland conference an important step in strengthening the dialogue between science, practice, and public administration. We plan to continue engaging in future editions of the event, sharing new results and research insights as the project progresses.
Finally, we inivte you to explore the full lecture held by Prof. Dittmer (RPTU):
“From Urban Drainage to Urban Water Resources Management – 35 Years of Paradigm Shifts.”