In recent years, the introduction of new chemicals in industrial processes, materials, and agricultural activities has made the protection of surface and groundwater more complex. Some compounds, such as PFAS or chlorinated solvents, can persist in the environment for a long time and reach water supply catchments.

Understanding how these contaminants move, how to intercept them, and what strategies to adopt to protect water catchments is now an increasingly sought-after skill for those working in the drinking water sector.

This training day offers a technical update on emerging chemical risks and prevention, protection, and intervention strategies.

Program for the day and speakers

Morning:

• Sebastián Pera, SUPSI, Institute of Earth Sciences: Mechanisms of pollutant release and transport
• Nicola Forrer, Cantonal Laboratory: Priority substances, limits, and prospects for application
• Daniela Prada, Office for Water Protection and Supply: Infrastructure register in S zones

Afternoon

• Daniele Malossa, Incident Response Unit: Emergency response
• Umberto Ballabio, Alessandra Mazzoli Holinger SA: PFAS treatment at source
• Luca Bonzanigo, Geolog.ch: Shield wells to protect water catchments
• Simona Piubellini, CSD Ingegneri: Remediation of a site contaminated with chlorinated solvents
• Mariangela Donati, Regenesis: Hydrocarbon removal

The event is aimed at waterworks engineers and managers, municipal technicians, geologists, architects, engineers, and professionals involved in water supply management.

The course is organized by the Department of Environment, Construction, and Design at SUPSI, in collaboration with the Ticino Plumbers Association, with the support of HelvetiaLab, Holinger SA, Membratec SA, Rigamonti consulting sagl, and Rittmayer SA.

The event will be held on April 16, 2026, at the SUPSI Campus in Mendrisio and will conclude with a convivial aperitif.