WaterProtect is a Horizon 2020 project that aimed to develop new solutions and strategies to safeguard drinking water resources from the impacts of intensive agriculture, particularly nitrate and pesticide pollution. The initiative was implemented in seven Action Labs across Europe, chosen as representative areas where the quality of water destined for human consumption is at risk due to agricultural pressures. Among these, the Italian case study focused on the Val Tidone area (2941 hectares), a territory that differs from the other Action Labs in its soil and climate characteristics and its strong specialization in viticulture. Here, through a participatory approach, the project involved both privately owned vineyard estates and public lands. Specific groundwater wells were selected within these areas, primarily used for agricultural irrigation and, to a lesser extent, for drinking water supply.
The main objective of WaterProtect was to co-create practical, locally adapted mitigation strategies to reduce water pollution, while fostering a long-term governance model based on collaboration among farmers, institutions, water service providers, and scientific experts. Communication and data sharing played a central role, supporting the transfer of successful practices to other regions and contributing to the development of future EU water protection policies.
Within the Italian Action Lab in Val Tidone, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) played a pivotal role, both as scientific partner and coordinator of local activities. It was responsible for managing stakeholder engagement and ensuring the scientific robustness of the project’s methodologies. The center facilitated a participatory process that brought together winegrowers, agronomists, public institutions, and local authorities, fostering a shared understanding of the challenges and co-developing practical solutions for sustainable water use in viticulture.
The research team also oversaw the selection and monitoring of groundwater wells, analyzing water samples to assess the presence of nitrates and pesticide residues. These data were fundamental in identifying critical points in current agricultural practices and in proposing mitigation strategies tailored to the specific features of the Val Tidone landscape. In parallel, the team organized a series of technical workshops and field visits that allowed local stakeholders to exchange experiences and reflect on the implications of their farming choices for water quality.
Moreover, the scientific expertise of UCSC was instrumental in translating local findings into broader recommendations for policy development. Insights from the Italian Action Lab contributed to the formulation of new governance models that emphasize collaboration, environmental monitoring, and agricultural advisory services, thus supporting the European transition towards more sustainable and integrated water resource management.
The project combined scientific monitoring, digital tools, farmer engagement, and local governance to achieve both environmental and social results. In the Val Tidone Action Lab, the WaterProtect project led to a better understanding of groundwater contamination from both point and diffuse sources in viticultural areas. Based on these findings, a demonstration platform for sprayer washing with wastewater recovery was implemented and showcased to local farmers. A harmonised water quality database was created, supporting the adaptation of a digital tool for visualising environmental risks. Sixteen mitigation measures and four best practices were identified and promoted through targeted training and active stakeholder engagement, contributing to improved water governance and awareness across the valley.
The approach developed in the WaterProtect project continues to inform new research and policy initiatives at national and European level. The participatory and evidence-based model promoted by the project serves today as a reference point for integrating agricultural sustainability with water protection objectives.
