D-CLEAN

Why D-CLEAN Matters?
Since the fall of the iron curtain, wastewater management in the Danube River Basin (DRB) has changed dramatically. What was once handled by a few large, state run operators is now divided among many local authorities and service providers. While this brought decision making closer to communities, it also created new challenges. Many local governments - especially in small towns and villages below 2,000 inhabitants - struggle with limited budgets, skills, and
experience to run modern wastewater systems. Yet these communities must choose solutions that are reliable, affordable, climate resilient, and environmentally sound. D-CLEAN responds to this challenge by supporting smarter decisions and sustainable wastewater solutions, helping protect water resources while strengthening local capacity.

Our project aims to tackle the critical issue of wastewater (WW) and stormwater (SW) pollution in the Danube River Basin (DRB). By raising awareness, building capacity, and identifying, testing, and showcasing practical solutions, we strive to improve water quality within the DRB. Our focus is on promoting sustainable WW and SW management practices that are resilient to climate change and equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools.

The D-CLEAN project tackles water pollution in the DRB by promoting:

• Sustainable wastewater and stormwater management, tailored for small settlements.
• Nature-based solutions (NBS) that are cost-effective, climate-resilient, and environmentally friendly.
• Capacity-building and knowledge-sharing to empower decision-makers and practitioners.
• Transnational cooperation for shared learning and strategic innovation.

Together, we aim to improve water quality and create a resilient, cleaner future for the Danube.

1. #NBSForCleanWater
   D-CLEAN demonstrates that Nature-based solutions (NBS) are effective, cost-efficient, and well suited to small communities. They are easier to operate, more flexible, and better adapted to local conditions. At the same time, they support biodiversity and help communities respond to climate change.
2. #TrainPlanTransform
   D-CLEAN empowers stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to plan and implement sustainable, decentralized wastewater and stormwater solutions. Through hands-on training, co-design in pilot areas, and the development of a practical planning guide, the project helps local authorities and practitioners choose and implement solutions that work for them.
3.  #FromPolicytoPractice
   D-CLEAN supports countries and communities in meeting the requirements of key EU policies, including the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Water Framework Directive, with a strong focus on small and rural settlements.
   It also contributes to the development of regional strategies and water policies, offering practical guidance and targeted advice tailored to the needs of small communities.

Five Pilot Areas Across the Danube River Basin

We will collaboratively design wastewater (WW) and stormwater (SW) management approaches tailored to the specific needs and challenges of five pilot areas located in the Sava, Drava-Mura, Tisza, and Lower Danube Basins. This co-design process will form the foundation for planning sustainable, decentralized WW and SW solutions in each pilot area. 

 Knowledge Transfer & Training

We will develop tailored training materials and conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions in each pilot area to strengthen stakeholders’ technical expertise and conceptual understanding in designing, implementing, and managing sustainable decentralized wastewater (WW) and stormwater (SW) systems. A central Knowledge Hub will be established to support ongoing learning, following a "community of practice" model that evolves dynamically in response to the region’s real-world needs for sustainable WW and SW management. 

Practical Tools & Strategies

We will elaborate a comprehensive, transnational roadmap to support the implementation of sustainable wastewater (WW) and stormwater (SW) management solutions across various regions of the Danube River Basin (DRB). This roadmap will guide experts and decision-makers in mainstreaming decentralized WW and SW approaches through co-design methodologies. We will also provide targeted recommendations for authorities and practitioners by synthesizing key outcomes from proposed nature-based solutions (NBS) for small settlements. These insights will contribute to the development of a regional WW and SW management strategy for small settlements informing national action plans. 

 A cleaner, healthier Danube through innovative, sustainable wastewater and stormwater management that leaves no community behind.