Ecol-Unicon in the DECIRE-WATER Project – advanced technologies for water recovery
02/12/2025
Climate change and the growing demand for water call for a new approach to water resource management. One response to these challenges is the DECIRE-WATER project, implemented under the Horizon Europe programme. As one of 15 partners from across Europe and South Africa, Ecol-Unicon is developing technologies for water recovery and reuse in urban environments.
What is the DECIRE-WATER project?
DECIRE-WATER (Decentralized Solutions for a Circular and Efficient Water Management – from demonstration to market) launched in June 2025 and will run for 36 months. Its aim is to develop innovative solutions that support the decentralisation of water and wastewater systems, improve water resource efficiency in cities, and implement water recycling technologies.
The project includes a wide range of research and development activities, involving the testing of new wastewater treatment and water disinfection technologies that will enable safe and efficient water reuse.
The work focuses on designing and testing technologies that optimise treatment processes and reduce the consumption of potable water, in line with European Union standards on water reuse and in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From research to practice
As part of the DECIRE-WATER project, Ecol-Unicon is responsible for developing and testing a prototype system for recovering rainwater and greywater in urban buildings. The goal is to create a solution that allows rainwater to be used for household utility purposes – such as laundry and cleaning – and enables the reuse of treated greywater for toilet flushing and irrigating green areas.
As noted by PhD Szymon Mielczarek, Development Project Manager at Ecol-Unicon:
“This project allows us to connect science with practice. We want water recycling solutions to move beyond niche experiments and become part of everyday urban infrastructure. This is where our engineering expertise meets the need for innovation – and where R&D efforts translate into real solutions for cities and the environment.”
Towards a circular future
Participation in the DECIRE-WATER project aligns with Ecol-Unicon’s long-term strategy focused on developing technologies that protect water resources and support climate adaptation. With more than 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater sector and strong involvement in research and development, we are committed to seeking practical solutions that help build circular water systems and strengthen cities’ resilience to future challenges.
“DECIRE-WATER is an important step toward combining technological innovation with real environmental needs. We are proud to be part of such an ambitious initiative that has the potential to shape the future of water management in Europe” – adds Gabriela Pawełkiewicz, MSc Eng., R&D Specialist at Ecol-Unicon.
Would you like to discover more about the project’s objectives and Ecol-Unicon’s role in its implementation?
Visit the DECIRE-WATER website
The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101182154.