Together for the Future of Water: First Stakeholder Meeting of AquaRevier in Aachen

The participants of the first AquaRevier stakeholder meeting in the Skylounge at RWTH Aachen University.  © FiW e. V.

Numerous representatives from municipalities, industry, agriculture, research, and the water sector gathered on June 18, 2025, at the Skylounge of RWTH Aachen for the first stakeholder meeting of the AquaRevier project. Together, they discussed how water management in the Rhenish mining area can be further developed to be sustainable, climate-resilient, and fit for the future.

The AquaRevier project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of the STARK funding program and co-financed by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen (FiW), the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW), and the Institute for Urban Water Management (ISA) coordinate the interdisciplinary consortium.

Additional members include the Chair of Physical Geography and Climatology (PGK), the city of Eschweiler, and the Eifel-Rur Water Association.

The AquaRevier project aims to develop water management in the Rhenish mining area through an integrated, climate-resilient approach. Existing and future conflicts of use between industry, agriculture, and natural areas are to be proactively addressed. At the center is the development of sustainable water use as a key foundation for a livable environment and a strong regional economy.

To this end, five case studies have been developed to address key challenges in water management in the Rhenish mining area:

  • Reservoir management in the context of climate change
  • Innovative flood management in small catchment areas outside reservoir zones
  • Industrial water reuse
  • Rainwater management for commercial and residential areas
  • Water use strategies for agriculture

Initial ideas for technical tools, concrete measures, and best-practice examples were presented and collaboratively developed. Discussions included reuse technologies, multifunctional land use, and intelligent rainwater storage to support small water bodies.

Insights from both research and practice not only provided valuable findings but also showed that viable solutions can only emerge through close collaboration among all stakeholders. The exchange was intensified through interactive workshop formats, where needs, challenges, and opportunities for cooperation were concretely outlined.

We sincerely thank all participants for their commitment and look forward to continuing our collaboration on the path toward a climate-adapted water future in the Rhenish mining area.

Further information about the project can be found here AquaRevier