Watermark Action

Saarland's "Watermark Action" targets municipalities and public bodies that want to significantly contribute to improving water quality and reducing the burden on wastewater systems. The program aims to optimize the performance of existing wastewater treatment plants and sustainably improve water quality in the region.

The "Watermark Action" supports a wide range of projects in the field of wastewater treatment and water purification. This includes investment measures to reduce extraneous water and rainwater, management studies, municipal funding programs, measurement technology equipment, and the new construction or retrofitting of phosphorus precipitation plants. The deployment of external water protection officers is also funded.

Funding through the "Watermark Action" is provided in the form of grants, the amount of which depends on the type of project and the eligible expenses. Specific funding rates and maximum amounts per measure apply, as well as a de minimis threshold for investment measures. Project durations are generally tied to the approval period, with the possibility of an extension.

Specific conditions and requirements apply to the utilization of the "Watermark Action", which vary depending on the type of measure. A strict prohibition on premature project commencement must be observed, although approval can be granted in exceptional cases. Furthermore, regulations regarding the minimization of wastewater fees, the passing on of grants to third parties, and the reporting obligation for changes or transfers of ownership must be observed.

The application process for the "Watermark Action" requires the submission of a complete application via an online form before the start of the measure. The approving authority, the Ministry for Environment and Consumer Protection, decides at its dutiful discretion and checks the proof of use after the completion of the project to determine the actual funding amount.

The "Watermark Action" is legally anchored by the Guideline for the Granting of Subsidies for Measures to Improve Water Quality and is governed by a series of other state and federal laws as well as European directives. These legal bases ensure formal legitimacy and regulate the operational procedures of the funding program.