In rural areas of South West Europe (SUDOE), water management faces major challenges: scarcity of water resources, pollution from farming and lack of efficient infrastructure. These problems directly affect the quality and availability of drinking water and make it difficult to comply with European regulations without compromising the continuity of economic activity. To respond to this challenge, the GestEAUr project seeks to develop and implement innovative and sustainable solutions that improve water quality and optimize its management. Its approach is based on territorial cooperation and the application of techniques adapted to the characteristics of each region.

During the first year of work, key progress has been made in different areas:
– Participatory diagnostics: Studies have been carried out in various regions to better understand local issues and design tailored strategies. This process has already been completed in Guadiana-Nogales (Spain) and Região Oeste-Torres Vedras (Portugal), allowing local actors to identify needs and possible solutions.
-Improvements in water quality: In Tiñosillos (Ávila, Spain), a reverse osmosis system is already operating at the drinking water treatment station, capable of removing nitrates and other contaminants. In addition, an electrochemical reactor is being built to generate ozone in situ, an efficient technology to improve water purification.
-Natural infrastructure for water purification and reuse: In Fontiveros (Spain) and Cartaxo (Portugal), electro-stimulated wetlands and infiltration ponds are designed that will allow water to be purified naturally. The treated water will then be reused through two different methods thus reducing the pressure on water resources and ensuring better access to drinking water.

What’s next for GestEAUr?
In the future, the project will continue to work on the development of SID-AQUARURAL, an advanced digital tool designed to optimize water management in rural environments. In addition, new combinations of innovative and sustainable techniques will be tested, with the aim of further improving efficiency in the use of water resources. Through collaboration between public administrations, research centers and local actors, GestEAUr is laying the foundations for more efficient, resilient and prepared water management for the challenges of climate change.