During the first period, AWARD has already contributed to knowledge co-creation, policy dialogue, and public awareness, setting the stage for systemic change in water governance across Europe. In particular, a deep insight into regulatory gaps and barriers, as well as gaps in funding framework enabled better understanding of AWR-related challenges. In parallel, scientific Key Performance Indicators have been established to track progress throughout the demo cases in the fields of water reuse efficiency, energy optimisation, Sustainable urban drainage system facilities performance, and nature-based solutions.
Key results from the cases studies included the completion of a diagnostic including urban hydrological and hydrogeological model with land use mapping and simulations for urban aquifer recharge (Romania). In Cyprus, a review of the waste water treatment plant performance enabled the stakeholders to identify the need to install new sensors in order to improve data acquisition and operational transparency. In Italy, two key sites have been selected for monitoring, due to their potential to assess the multiple benefits of SuDS and NbS. In Spain, early monitoring results showed that the installed Nature-based Solution composed of a wetland and pond was reducing pollutants, hence demonstrating the effectiveness of this type of technology.
The activities involving citizen engagement (local water forums and school activities) started building the network of local stakeholders. These activities produced several mid -term impact achievements, informing citizens and local stakeholders on future usage of AWR including their benefits, thus reducing initial reluctance for its adoption. In addition, social acceptance surveys increased the stakeholders trust in participatory processes proposed by the AWARD project. These activities will hopefully lead to sustainable stakeholders engagement beyond the initial scope of AWARD project.
