Accadueo 2025 will take place at BolognaFiere from 7th to 9th October, bringing together institutions and industry professionals to address the invisible environmental emergency threatening Italian cities.
One in eight waterways in Italy is contaminated by uncontrolled discharges caused by urban runoff and overloaded sewer systems during extreme weather events. The warning comes from REF Ricerche, which highlights that over 90% of rainwater in urban areas flows over the surface without seeping into the ground, leading to serious issues such as flooding, pollution, and environmental degradation.
This critical issue will take center stage on the opening day of Accadueo 2025, the international trade fair dedicated to the water supply chain, scheduled to run from 7th to 9th October at BolognaFiere
(Italy). Organised by BolognaFiere Water&Energy (BFWE), the event will host over 150 brands and feature a rich program of workshops and roundtables, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and AneA.
“We are facing one of the most tangible yet least visible environmental emergencies of our time. The impact of stormwater on the quality of rivers, canals, and groundwater has become systemic. A paradigm shift is needed, one based on an integrated approach involving both operators and institutions. Accadueo will provide an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the new European Directive 2024/3019, which strengthens the strategic role of the Integrated Water Service in managing urban drainage,” has stated Paolo Angelini, CEO of BFWE.
Key topics will include the integration of sewer networks with urban drainage systems, the responsibilities of service operators, and Nature-Based Solutions such as green roofs, infiltration areas, and ‘sponge city’ systems. The introduction of a specific tariff component for stormwater management, following models already adopted in Germany and the United Kingdom, will also be discussed. According to experts, this measure is essential to move beyond emergency response and ensure long-term sustainability and investment.
About BFWE
BFWE is a joint venture established in 2021 by BolognaFiere and Mirumir to develop an entrepreneurial initiative focused on spreading knowledge and fostering dialogue around the economic and social value of water and related technological innovations. BFWE organizes Accadueo, a landmark event that has served the national and international water industry for over 30 years.