Water scarcity is an increasing challenge across the Mediterranean, requiring innovative and sustainable approaches to water management. The RESWATER project – Non-Conventional Water Resources for Resilient Urban Water Management in the Mediterranean – addresses this challenge by promoting the use of non-conventional water resources (NCWRs) such as greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting, and other decentralized water solutions.
Funded by the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, RESWATER is a 36-month project with a total budget of €2.8 million, co-funded by the European Union (89%) and project partners (11%). Organizations from Greece, Spain, Türkiye, Tunisia, Egypt, Italy, and Malta are collaborating to strengthen urban water resilience and reduce dependence on conventional freshwater resources.
The project will establish demonstration sites across participating countries, showcasing decentralized Non-Conventional Water Resources (NCWR) systems in real-life settings, often within public buildings. These pilot installations will provide technical evidence on the effectiveness of innovative water solutions while raising awareness among public authorities and citizens.
Beyond infrastructure, RESWATER places strong emphasis on capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Through Local Living Labs and a regional Community of Practice, the project will bring together water authorities, utilities, policymakers, experts, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, co-develop solutions, and strengthen regional cooperation. Training programmes and an online learning platform (MOOC) will further support water professionals in adopting innovative approaches to urban water management.
As a key project partner, GWP-Med leads the development of the Living Labs and the Mediterranean Community of Practice on NCWRs, while coordinating capacity-building activities and the development of a user-friendly Technical Catalogue of decentralized Non-Conventional Water Resources. Through these actions, GWP-Med works towards a holistic approach that helps translate technical innovation into practical knowledge, stakeholder engagement, and long-term regional impact.
A major project outcome will be the development of Urban Water Management Plans that integrate decentralized NCWR solutions into existing water systems. These plans will provide practical guidance and policy recommendations to support climate-resilient and sustainable water management in the Region.
By promoting the uptake of decentralized water solutions and strengthening regional cooperation, RESWATER aims to enhance water security, increase urban resilience, and support Mediterranean communities in adapting to climate change and growing water scarcity.