As part of Paysalia, the leading French exhibition for landscape professionals, the European Irrigation Association (EIA) organised a conference on water management in green cities on 3 December in Lyon. Paysalia brings together key stakeholders from across Europe to address the major challenges facing the landscaping and urban greening sectors, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and climate adaptation.

The conference, titled “Optimising Irrigation in Urban Areas: Examples from Sabadell and Paris”, highlighted concrete solutions and expert perspectives on how cities can adapt irrigation practices in the face of increasing drought and water scarcity.

Eric Porcher (City of Paris) presented the irrigation strategies supporting Paris’s new urban forest projects, showing how automated and connected watering systems, combined with fine soil moisture monitoring and agronomic programming, help ensure plant resilience and efficient water use in highly constrained urban environments.

Joan Gual (City of Sabadell) shared the experience of a Mediterranean city severely impacted by drought, illustrating how the reuse of treated wastewater, smart irrigation management and a shift towards ecosystem-based objectives have strengthened the resilience of urban green spaces while significantly reducing reliance on potable water.

Bruno Molle (EIA Executive Advisor) and Michael Fayaud (CEO, Urbasense) provided a broader framework on irrigation efficiency in urban landscapes, discussing how performance can be defined and assessed beyond water volumes alone, by integrating vegetation response, ecosystem services and user comfort.

Together, the presentations demonstrated that the future of urban irrigation lies in integrated, data-driven and resource-conscious approaches. By combining alternative water resources, connected technologies, sound design and clear performance criteria, cities can enhance the resilience of their green spaces while using water more efficiently. The conference offered practical insights and strategic guidance for professionals seeking to adapt urban landscapes to the realities of climate change.

▶️ Watch the conference recording or download the presentations below to explore the full content and key takeaways from the event.