Smart Water Solutions Take Center Stage in Srem: D‑CLEAN Brings Sustainable Innovation Closer to Local Communities

Representatives of public utility companies and key stakeholders from the Srem region gathered on 27 March to explore sustainable wastewater management solutions within the EU‑funded D‑CLEAN project. The working meeting, organised by the Regional Development Agency Srem (RDA Srem), took place at the premises of the Public Utility Company “Vodovod” Ruma and marked an important step toward improving water quality and long‑term water security in the region.

The event brought together professionals from the fields of water supply, wastewater treatment, water infrastructure development and environmental protection, creating a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation at the local and regional levels.

Advancing Sustainable Water Management in the Danube Basin

Participants were introduced to the key objectives and activities of the D‑CLEAN project, which is implemented under the Interreg Danube Region Programme and led by the Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe. The project aims to improve water quality in the Danube River Basin by promoting sustainable wastewater and stormwater management solutions, with a particular focus on the needs of small settlements.

D‑CLEAN is implemented through a strong international partnership involving organisations from Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Romania, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia, and combines capacity building, pilot actions, practical tools and policy support to help decision‑makers and technical services plan and implement modern, sustainable water management systems.

Nature‑Based Solutions for the Pilot Area of Hrtkovci

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Conceptual Design of a Nature‑Based Solutions (NBS) wastewater treatment plant for the pilot area of Hrtkovci, currently being developed within the project. The design showcases treatment systems that rely on natural processes, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies.

The presentation covered:

• the basic technical concept of the NBS system,

• its operational principles,

• expected environmental benefits, and

• key advantages for small settlements, including lower construction and operational costs, simpler maintenance and enhanced long‑term sustainability.

Protecting Key Water Resources in Eastern Srem

Participants were also informed about the upcoming investigation works at the pilot site, with a focus on geotechnical and hydrogeological analyses. These studies are essential to ensure the safe positioning of the future treatment plant and the effective protection of nearby water resources.

Special attention was given to safeguarding the Regional Water Supply System “Eastern Srem”, recognised as one of the region’s most important infrastructure projects for ensuring long‑term drinking water security.

What’s Next for Local Partners?

The meeting also outlined what public utility companies and local partners can expect from the D‑CLEAN project in the coming period, including:

• professional trainings and capacity‑building activities, including a train‑the‑trainers approach;

• development of a GIS‑based planning and decision‑support tool; and

• preparation of practical guidelines and a Handbook to support the selection of optimal wastewater treatment technologies.

Strengthening Local Capacities for a Cleaner Future

Concluding the meeting, participants agreed that the D‑CLEAN project represents a significant opportunity to strengthen local capacities, encourage innovative thinking, and promote sustainable water management solutions that directly contribute to the protection of water resources and an improved quality of life in the Srem region.

RDA Srem reaffirmed its commitment to actively involving local stakeholders throughout the project, ensuring that the solutions developed through D‑CLEAN are practical, high‑quality and sustainable, and deliver long‑term benefits for communities across Srem.