Groundwater provides the steady base flow of rivers and wetlands. Maintaining this flow and keeping it free from pollution is vital for surface water ecosystems. Groundwater is also a crucial source of drinking water, supplying the water systems for three out of four EU citizens. Furthermore, European economies tap groundwater for industrial cooling and for agricultural irrigation.

In this context, SHARP focuses on the exchange of knowledge on innovative techniques to protect groundwater resources in the 8 partner Regions. The partners will exchange practical know-how and also determine know-how demand concerning key contents: general groundwater management tools, artificial groundwater recharge technologies, groundwater monitoring systems, strategic use of groundwater resources for drinking water, irrigation and industry, techniques to save water quality and quantity, drinking water safety plans, risk management tools and water balance models.

The exchange of experiences and transfer of know-how is primarily achieved via seminars, study visits and interregional conferences. In addition, a virtual information centre (an IT-based communication system) supports the know-how transfer and facilitates the cooperation between project partners, decision makers and relevant stakeholders.

Finally, SHARP aims at influencing the regional policies of its partners by proposing sustainable groundwater management techniques to save and improve the quality and quantity of groundwater reservoirs for future generations.

• Lead partner Competence Network Water Resources GmbH (AT)
• Region of Western Macedonia (EL)
• Region of North Aegean (EL)
• Regional Agency for Rural Development of Friuli Venezia Giulia (IT)
• Local Councils' Association (MT)
• Institute of Meteorology and Water Management- Wroclaw Branch (PL)
• International Resources & Recycling Institute (UK)
• Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology (DE)
• Graz AG water supply (AT)