GRUWAS
GRUWAS develops technical solutions for the storage, retention, use, and safe discharge of rainwater under the conditions of climate change. The focus is particularly on how water can be reliably stored underground, even under challenging hydrogeological conditions, and later reused or infiltrated.
Project overview
Challenge
In Saxony, precipitation patterns and water availability are changing increasingly. Longer periods of drought, extreme rainfall, decreasing groundwater recharge, and rising water demands are increasing the pressure on existing water resources.
Project goal
GRUWAS is developing a holistic system for underground water storage. The goal is to selectively retain and store rainwater and make it available to support groundwater resources. This is achieved by combining short-term intermediate storage with long-term storage in soil and groundwater.
Practical relevance
The solutions are aimed particularly at regions with challenging hydrogeological conditions, such as shallow porous or low-permeability fractured aquifers, as well as flow patterns with significant topographic relief. They are investigated using numerical modeling, field tests, and sustainable materials.
Our role in the research project
M&S Umweltprojekt is a partner in the GRUWAS research consortium and contributes its practical expertise in hydrogeology, water management, geotechnics, and project planning to the development of suitable storage and infiltration solutions. However, I would only specify your role more precisely for the website if you have clearly defined internally which sub-tasks M&S undertakes. The TU Dresden project page lists M&S as a consortium partner but does not provide a detailed list of M&S's responsibilities.
Project data
Project: GRUWAS – Holistic system for the construction and operation of underground water storage facilities
Main topic: Securing water resource management under conditions of climate change
Duration: 01.07.2025 – 31.12.2027
Funding: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – R&D project funding
Focus: Underground water storage, groundwater recharge and climate-adapted water management
Project partners
The research project involves collaboration between partners from science and practice:
Dresden University of Technology – Institute for Groundwater Management
Dresden University of Applied Sciences – Faculty of Civil Engineering
M&S Environmental Project GmbH
Other participants include the Prince Pückler Park Foundation Bad Muskau, the Polish National Institute for Cultural Heritage, and the towns of Bad Muskau and Łęknica.