Program

Response to this question requires clarification of terminology. During the conference, we aim for experts to precisely define the concepts of detention, retention, and the utilization of rainwater. Additionally, we want to hear how the introduction of solutions in the detention, retention, and rainwater utilization areas is rewarded when applying for new funding tranches to adapt urban drainage systems to climate change. It is essential to specify how, and with the use of which computer tools, one should reliably estimate the potential implementation of these solutions in individual watersheds. Naturally, we intend to link these discussions with inspiring examples of implementations of retention and rainwater utilization solutions from Poland and abroad. In the summary of the first session, we also want the conference sponsors to participate in a joint debate and try to persuade conference participants to choose their technological solutions for expanding detention and retention systems, including the use of rainwater.

Who should be responsible for rainwater retention and utilization? For years, and perhaps even over a decade, the discussion has continued about who should be responsible for the collection and drainage of rain or meltwater in cities. We want to draw attention to the fact that this question is further complicated as the scale of requirements increases. It’s no longer sufficient to just collect rainwater; on the contrary, property owners should be encouraged to manage it themselves. And if rainwater needs to be collected, for example, from road catchments, the challenge for the drainage system operator becomes how to manage it within the city and limit discharge to recipients. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that stormwater drainage is critical infrastructure, and someone must take care of, for example, the technical condition of large-diameter channels under many major city streets.

These new challenges often fall within the competence of various city management entities. We want our speakers from cities of different sizes to share their experiences on how to practically solve this problem, who should do it, and how to finance such initiatives. We especially look forward to input from water and sewage companies regarding their mission in global water circulation management, including controlling the flow of rainwater. Like most of the industry, we hope that in the new realities post the recent elections, water and sewage companies will move beyond the issues of water and sewage tariffs and will be able to return to the comprehensive idea of providing water and sewage comfort for city residents. This cannot happen without addressing rainwater. Perhaps it’s worth paraphrasing the slogan of Aquanet S.A. and saying that: “By managing rainwater, we improve the quality of life.”