In Italy, approximately one in eight waterways is affected by uncontrolled discharges due to water runoff in cities and the malfunctioning of sewer systems during extreme weather events  according to a position paper of Laboratorio REF Ricerche S.R.L. published in November 2024. In detail, this paper names the part of rainwater in urban context flowing on the surface without infiltrating the soil to amount to 90 %. Especially first flush rainwater carries high concentrations of microplastics, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pathogens.

This rapidly growing phenomenon is the result of fragmented rainwater management and increasingly impermeable land and will be the focus of a series of meetings and conferences organized on the opening day of Accadueo.

 “We are facing one of the most concrete and least visible environmental emergencies of our time,” – says Paolo Angelini, CEO of BolognaFiere Water&Energy. – “The impact of rainwater on the quality of our rivers, canals, and reservoirs is now systemic, and a clear change is needed that involves an integrated and shared approach between operators and institutions. Accadueo will also be a key event for discussing the implementation of European Directive 2024/3019, which represents an opportunity to develop the Integrated Water Service into a central player in urban drainage management as well.“

Technical Workshops and round tables on key strategic issues

During the opening day of Accadueo 2025, there will be a series of technical workshops and round tables on key strategic issues, organized in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and AneA Association ( Agenzia Napoletana Energia e Ambiente): the integration of sewerage and urban drainage, the responsibilities of water service operators, and the opportunities offered by so-called Nature-Based Solutions – such as green roofs, infiltration areas, and ‘sponge city’ systems.

Including stormwater management into water tariffs

The introduction of a tariff component dedicated to stormwater management, based on the model already in place in Germany and the United Kingdom, will be one of the most debated topics. This is a fundamental measure to ensure economic sustainability and long-term planning, overcoming the emergency logic that has so far held back the sector.