Prioritizing digital optimization and green solutions over grey infrastructure to master the 2% overflow rule.

The new EU UWWTP Directive mandates Integrated Urban Wastewater Management Plans for all agglomerations >100k p.e. (and high-risk areas >10k p.e.). These plans explicitly require utilities to prioritize preventive measures and green/blue infrastructure before pouring concrete for traditional grey infrastructure. This session challenges the “build bigger pipes” mindset by introducing “Virtual Retention” as the first line of defense.