Santander, Spain | April 7–8, 2025
The University of Cantabria (UC) recently hosted redSUDS 2025, the biannual Spanish forum dedicated to advancing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). With more than 180 participants, including industry representatives, municipal leaders, researchers, and public water authorities, this year’s conference underscored the increasing importance of innovative drainage strategies in Spain and beyond.
A Collaborative Effort
A founding member of redSUDS, Dr. Jorge Rodríguez of UC spearheaded the organisation of the event, which drew prominent European projects such as D4RUNOFF, WATERUN, and CO-UDlabs. Over two days, experts explored not only the latest research and technological breakthroughs aimed at mitigating urban flooding, improving water quality, and fostering resilient infrastructure but also the main successful experiences along the country, highlighting the growing confidence on the effectiveness of this approaches into the Spanish public bodies in comparation with the predominant scenario in 2008, when the network started to act and main actors (policy makers or authorities) still did not believe in the capacity of SUDS to overcome drainage challenges.
Spotlight on D4RUNOFF
One of the highlights was a technical visit to the D4RUNOFF Case Study site—an initiative involving the University of Cantabria and Aqualia. More than 130 attendees, organised into five groups, toured the wetland, permeable car park, and related drainage systems:
- Nicolás Morales (Aqualia) led a showcase of the constructed wetland and sampling campaigns, explaining how ongoing monitoring activities feed into sustainable water management solutions.
- Dr. Jorge Rodríguez (UC) highlighted the design of the permeable car park, discussing both the on-site experiments and experiences that validate SUDS approaches in real-world conditions.
In tandem, D4RUNOFF partners presented the outlining wetland effluent monitoring techniques, garnering significant attention at the poster stand in the wetland.
Other Projects & Activities
Collaboration was a key theme throughout redSUDS 2025. Alongside D4RUNOFF (UC, AQUALIA and ITG participate in the program), representatives from other European projects, like WATERUN, NATALIE, UP2030, WETFAN, NICE, INTEXT, GREEN LED and CO-UDlabs, shared insights on their own advancements, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas on sustainable drainage and urban water management from the European perspective.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to the successful technical visit and widespread engagement, redSUDS 2025 has further reinforced Spain’s position at the forefront of SUDS innovation. Participants left with fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to implementing and scaling solutions for urban drainage challenges.
Further information can be found here (in Spanish).
