Sustainable urban water management is one of the most important professional and societal challenges of our time. As a result of climate change, we are increasingly faced with both prolonged periods of drought and more frequent intense rainfall events.
In this context, stormwater should no longer be regarded merely as a burden to be drained away, but as a valuable and renewable resource.
We can no longer afford simply to discharge and lose the rainwater that falls on our cities and infrastructure. The future of water management must be based on retention, appropriate treatment and, wherever possible, beneficial reuse. To achieve this, however, we need a clear understanding of both the quantity and quality of runoff from different types of paved surfaces, as well as the treatment technologies available.
To address these issues, the Hungarian Water Association (HWA) is organising a professional roundtable discussion as part of the Envirotec – powered by Ökoindustria trade exhibition.
Title: Environmental Impacts of stormwater runoff from roads and parking areas – variations in runoff intensity and contamination, treatment requirements and opportunities for reuse
Date and time: Friday, 9 October 2026, 13:00–14:30
Venue: HUNGEXPO, Pavilion E, exhibition area – stage
Admission is free of charge, but prior registration is required via the Environtec website.
Why is this topic particularly relevant today?
Stormwater runoff from transport infrastructure, roads and parking areas can carry a wide range of pollutants. Oil and fuel residues, heavy metals, microparticles generated by tyre wear, and substances used in road maintenance can enter the environment and receiving waters, placing significant pressure on both surface water and groundwater resources. This is therefore an issue that requires particular attention.
The importance of the topic is further reinforced by changes in the European regulatory environment. New EU wastewater requirements and increasingly stringent standards for the protection of water bodies are encouraging municipalities, operators, designers and regulatory authorities to approach stormwater management as a complex issue involving both environmental protection and resource management.
The HWA professional roundtable will provide a forum for representatives from research, planning and design, operations, regulatory authorities and the engineering profession to jointly discuss current challenges, anticipated changes in the regulatory environment and potential solutions for the future.
Our professional roundtable discussion offers participants an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the latest research findings, regulatory trends and practical experience, while also taking an active part in the professional dialogue.
We will be there. Join us at the Environtec exhibition on 9 October 2026, and let us explore together the opportunities offered by stormwater, the protection of our water resources and the future of sustainable urban water management.
