Fritz Kalwa receives Recognition Award of the Dresden Groundwater Research Prize 2025

Dr. Fritz Florian Kalwa from the Institute of Groundwater Management at TU Dresden has been awarded a recognition prize of the Dresden Groundwater Research Prize 2025 for his doctoral thesis. The prize is awarded biennially by the Foundation for the Promotion of the "Scientific School Zunker-Busch-Luckner" for innovative scientific contributions in the field of groundwater research.

Kalwa's dissertation, entitled "The Suitability of Vadose Zone Wells for Managed Aquifer Recharge with Low Quality Waters," examines the potential of vadose zone wells for controlled groundwater recharge using pretreated wastewater. His research combines experimental studies and numerical modeling to assess hydraulic potential, biodegradation processes, and clogging risks. Particularly noteworthy is Kalwa's development of an innovative backflush technique for the regeneration of clogged wells, which is currently under patent review.

Kalwa was nominated for the prize by Prof. Liedl. The award ceremony took place during the Dresden Groundwater Days on June 23, 2025. Alongside Kalwa, Ms. Nettemann from the University of Jena also received a recognition award. The main prize was awarded to Ms. Scheifele from the University of Potsdam.