On July 19, the kickoff of the multi-year collaboration project 'Scaling up Circular Water Chains for Events' took place at Zwarte Cross.

The Netherlands tops the list for the worst surface water quality in all of Europe. Starting in 2027, we will face even stricter water quality standards as laid out in the European Water Framework Directive. A serious challenge! And especially for festivals like Zwarte Cross, which has to deal with an enormous amount of wastewater in a short period of time.

Curious about the innovative solutions showcased at Zwarte Cross to tackle this problem? In the video, presenter Lars Gierveld takes you through waterless toilets, the ‘Pississippi Pipeline’, and ‘Mestzak City’, where nearly 3 million liters of wastewater are stored.

Next steps
We are now fully engaged in gathering research results and exploring the next steps for 2025. The knowledge gained through this project is accessible to anyone interested. Stay updated? Sign up here (Dutch only) or subscribe for the GDCF Linkedin newsletter for updates in English.

Scaling up Circular Water Chains for Events
'Scaling up Circular Water Chains for Events' is an initiative of Zwarte Cross, the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, Water Board Vechtstromen, Water Board Rijn en IJssel, Drinking Water Company Vitens, the Municipality of Oost Gelre, and the Water Cooperation Region Achterhoek+. As part of the Green Deal Circular Festivals, they have started this multi-year collaboration. They are joining forces to accelerate the scaling up of innovative solutions, focusing on circular water purification, reducing water consumption, and promoting water reuse. Together with other parties, they are working to advance these innovations not only within the festival sector but also to eventually apply them at other types of events, in other sectors, and in municipalities.