Representatives from the National Federation of Group Water Schemes joined European counterparts in Galicia, Spain, for the sixth ACOWAS–EU (Alliance of Community-Owned Water Services in Europe) Conference, a multilateral gathering focused on strengthening community-led water services across the continent on 16 September 2025.
ACOWAS–EU is an informal alliance of community-owned drinking water and wastewater services operating across Europe. It brings together organisations from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Ireland, and Galicia, united by a shared commitment to sustainable, community-led water management.
The Irish delegation included Hugh O’Reilly (chairperson), Mark Farrelly (CEO), and Barry Dolan (communications and education officer), accompanied by Dr Suzanne Linnane from the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT). Together, they engaged with partner organisations, all of which share similar structures and challenges in delivering sustainable water services to rural communities.
The trip featured site visits to local water schemes, collaborative workshops at the University of Vigo, and a high-profile international conference held at the Teatro Principal in Pontevedra. The conference drew over 300 attendees, including Spanish dignitaries such as Ángeles Vázquez (regional minister for the environment and climate change), Luis López (president of the Provincial council), and Miguel Anxo Lores (mayor of Pontevedra).
Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions
Despite geographical and cultural differences, the similarities between community water schemes in Ireland and those in Galicia were striking. Delegates visited two local schemes that showcased advanced treatment systems including ground source abstraction, filtration, UV treatment, and blue-lined holding tanks. The pride and dedication of local committees mirrored the spirit of Irish group water schemes. During the conference, Dr Suzanne Linnane highlighted the growing pressures on water resources due to population growth and climate change, stressing the need for stronger stakeholder engagement and a deeper understanding of the social factors contributing to environmental degradation.
Mark Farrelly, NFGWS CEO, praised the event:
The ACOWAS–EU Conference in Pontevedra has been an inspiring and enriching experience. The warmth and hospitality shown by our Galician hosts, created the perfect environment for open dialogue and genuine collaboration. What stood out most was the striking similarity in the challenges we face, whether in Ireland, Galicia, Austria, Finland or Denmark. Issues such as source protection, ageing infrastructure, volunteer engagement, and legislative complexity are shared across borders. Yet, through this partnership, we are not only exchanging ideas but building a collective resilience. The innovative approaches and community spirit demonstrated here reaffirm the immense value of international co-operation in safeguarding rural water services for future generations.
Knowledge exchange workshops at the University of Vigo provided a platform for in-depth discussion on the key issues shared among partner organisations. Delegates examined each other’s approaches and explored practical solutions to common challenges. Innovative strategies were shared, including Denmark’s use of traceable gas in underground aquifers to identify pollution sources and their commitment to reforesting catchment areas. Spain emphasised rural repopulation to sustain community services, while Austria showcased advanced treatment technologies and a strong public awareness of environmental stewardship.
A Growing European Movement
Hosted by Coxapo, the umbrella body for Galicia’s group water schemes, the four day event fostered dialogue, collaboration, and lasting professional connections. The alliance amplifies the voice of community-owned water providers at EU level, growing in importance as climate change drives demand for resilient, locally managed solutions.
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes looks forward to strengthening this valuable partnership through future collaborations and fully utilising the new knowledge, insights, and solutions gained on the trip, for the benefit of all NFGWS members.
This article originally featured in the most recent edition of the Rural Water News magazine. To read the full edition and to sign up to our magazine mailing list, click here.
