Project Sites
SentinelSprings
IST: Centre to South of Portugal
SentinelSprings will monitor several springs across Portugal to assess climate change impacts on groundwater. The network spans karst (Olhos d’Água-Alviela, Fontes Benémola- Algarve ), limestone and sandstone formations (Nascente de Monserrate-Parques de Sintra), a shallow, unconfined detrital aquifer (coastal spring-Praia da Oliveirinha), perched and coastal springs (Fonte dos Olhos, Milfontes). Coastal springs are emphasized for their sensitivity to sea-level rise and salinisation. This diverse network captures responses to altered recharge, prolonged droughts, and changing land-sea interactions. It supports long-term hydrological and geochemical monitoring to detect early signs of climate stress and to inform adaptive groundwater management in vulnerable regions.
The Energy and Water Agency: Fiddien Springs
The case study focuses on the development of a conceptual model of water flow in Chadwick Lakes (Wied il-Qlejgha) dry valley systems, identifying the contribution of different source water types, including groundwater. The works to be undertaken in the pilot focus on optimising the management of water in the valley system, enhancing the storage and management of water for agriculture and ecosystems and optimising the conditions for aquifer recharge.
🇩🇰 Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS): Himmerland
Himmerland, in northern Denmark, is home to several beautiful natural springs. These freshwater sources gently bubble from the ground, often surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful landscapes. Some springs have cultural or historical significance, while others are simply tranquil spots to enjoy nature. They offer a glimpse into the region’s untouched beauty and are popular for quiet walks, photography, or simply relaxing by the water. The springs discharge to rivers and coastal waters from fractured chalk aquifers, which are vulnerable to and impacted by nitrate, pesticides and other agricultural contaminants from nearby farmlands.
University of Lodz : Central Poland
The study area lies in central Poland, in the transitional zone between the old-glacial and upland landscape, covered by Pleistocene and Holocene deposits with Mesozoic outcrops. Ten springs – of rheocrene, limnocrene and mound types were selected across four catchments. Research integrate geomorphological studies, hydrogeological measurements of discharge and water chemistry with ecological surveys of vegetation structure, plant diversity and population genomics of indicator species. Current and historical land use, remote-sensing and microclimatic data will characterize the natural environment and anthropogenic impacts on springs. This integrated approach aims to establish a monitoring, evaluation and modelling framework for spring-dependent ecosystems under climate change, analyse ecosystem services, and guide sustainable socio-economic management.
BGRM: Lez
The karstic source of the Lez is the origin of the river of the same name that flows through the city of Montpellier. Located a few kilometers north of Montpellier, the source drains a karst aquifer that is subject to major pumping of groundwater for the supply of drinking water to the city. The pumping rate is around 1050 l/s, or 35 million m3/year, and constitutes the second largest groundwater pumping in the world. When the pumped flow is greater than the natural flow of the source, it dries up and a reserved flow is returned to the watercourse to ensure the quality of the aquatic ecosystem. The latter includes the Lez Bullhead, which is a protected endemic species, living in the first 4 kilometers of the river, a Natura 2000 site.
🇮🇹 University of Torino: Piedmont Po Plain
The pilot site includes 10 lowland springs (known as fontanili) located in two areas of the Piedmont region: five in the Turin area and five in the Vercelli area. These sites were selected because they represent different types of land use—such as agricultural, industrial, and natural zones—allowing for a comprehensive study of hydrogeological and ecological characteristics. This diversity helps researchers better understand how climate change impacts water resources and ecosystems under varying environmental conditions.