Connecting knowledge, technology & collaboration in water innovation
Why join our matchmaking?
We connect problem owners (e.g. hospitals, water utilities) with solution providers (e.g. tech developers) to accelerate action against pharmaceutical pollution.
- Goal: wide adoption of best practices in Northwest Europe
- Cross-border collaboration for smarter water solutions
- Stay informed on EU policy developments and innovation opportunities
Organised as part of the Aquarama Trade Fair – the leading water technology event in Belgium, celebrating 20 years of innovation.
Let’s shape a cleaner water future, together.
PREWAPHARM: Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical residues are increasingly contaminating water bodies across Northwest Europe – a growing concern driven by ageing populations, rising medicine use, and climate change. Up to 90% of orally administered medicines, including antibiotics and hormones, can enter water systems after use. These residues may disrupt aquatic ecosystems, influence antibiotic resistance, and hinder clean drinking water production.
PREWAPHARM unites experts from the healthcare and water sectors across seven countries to confront this urgent challenge. Together, we’re developing coordinated strategies, innovative solutions and sustainable actions to reduce pharmaceutical emissions at their source.
A transnational mission for a healthier Northwest Europe
Policy-driven, prevention-focused
PREWAPHARM’s approach supports the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan and the Water Framework Directive by focusing on preventive, source-based measures – not just end-of-pipe fixes.
📧 prewapharm@tcnn.nl
🔗 linkedin.com/company/prewapharm
🌍 prewapharm.nweurope.eu
Program
Morning parallel sessions
| Time | Discussion Topics |
|---|---|
| 09:00–09:45 | • Removal of pharmaceutical residues at the source in healthcare institutions (institutional and department level) – Pieter-Jan De Buyck (VITO) • Mitigating pollution by medicines using sustainable pharmacy practices – Eelko Hak (University of Groningen) |
| 10:00–10:45 | • Decentralised removal of pharmaceutical residues at small WWTP level – Koen Rummers (Aquafin) • Pharmaceuticals in wastewater: new regulatory challenges – Emma Witteveen (RIVM) |
| 11:00–11:45 | • Removal at the source in healthcare institutions – Pieter-Jan De Buyck (VITO) • Regulatory challenges in wastewater – Emma Witteveen (RIVM) |
| 12:00–12:45 | • Decentralised removal at WWTPs – Koen Rummers (Aquafin) • Sustainable pharmacy practices – Eelko Hak (University of Groningen) |
14:00–15:00 – Plenary Presentation
PREventing WAter Pollution by PHARMaceuticals in Northwest Europe – Transregional innovation for systemic change
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 14:00–14:05 | Urgency of the pharmaceutical pollution problem in Northwest Europe – Dirk Halet (VITO) (subject to change to a Flemish policy representative) |
| 14:05–14:10 | Regulatory challenges in wastewater – Emma Witteveen (RIVM) (TBC) |
| 14:10–14:20 | How does PREWAPHARM contribute to emission reduction? – Erika Brattinga-Róth (TCNN) |
| 14:20–14:45 | Strategy for broad implementation and European impact – Eelko Hak (UG), Pieter-Jan De Buyck (VITO), Jimmy Roussel (LIST) |
| 14:45–15:00 | Q&A with the audience |
15:10–16:40 – One-to-one matchmaking
An opportunity for direct conversations between problem holders and innovative solution providers, aiming to accelerate implementation and partnerships across borders.
