27 July 2026
We use water every day—but when was the last time you talked about it? Most of us only notice water when a bathing area is closed because of blue-green algae, heavy rain turns streets into rivers, or a dry summer raises concerns about crops and drinking water. In reality, water is connected to our health, safety, food security, and future every single day.
On 7 August, Arvamusfestival water stage will bring a full day of discussions, discoveries, and practical knowledge to Paide. Together with scientists, experts, communities, and decision-makers, we will explore the questions that affect us all.
Programme
12:00–13:20 | Adapting Is Not a Choice—It's a Necessity
Climate change is already affecting our cities, health, and everyday lives. How can Estonia better adapt to changing conditions?
13:30–14:50 | See a Problem with Water? Be Part of the Solution
What role do communities play in improving the health of our water bodies, and how can people help identify and solve water-related problems?
15:00–15:30 | AHHAA Science Theatre: "The Wonders of Water"
Exciting experiments and surprising discoveries—come and see what makes ordinary water such an extraordinary substance!
15:40–17:00 | Whose Rain, Whose Flood?
Who is responsible when heavy rainfall causes flooding? Where does the property owner's responsibility end, and where do the responsibilities of municipalities and water utilities begin?
17:10–18:30 | Water vs. Food Security: Do We Have to Choose?
Can clean water and sustainable food production go hand in hand, or are difficult trade-offs inevitable?
18:40–20:00 | Better to Warn Than to Rescue
How can flood and other emergency warnings reach people in time, and what information do we actually need?
Throughout the Day
- Water Filter Workshop – Learn how to ensure access to safe drinking water when the regular water supply is disrupted.
- Veestik.info Workshop – Learn how to use the citizen science platform and help monitor the condition of Estonia's water bodies.
- Travelling Exhibition on Flooding – Explore the causes, impacts, and management of flood risks.
Come listen, share your ideas, and join the discussion—because questions about water are questions about our environment, our safety, and our future.
Water Day is organised by the European Union LIFE Programme projects LIFE SIP AdaptEST, LIFE SIP WetEST, LIFE IP CleanEST, and LIFE LATESTadapt, together with the projects "Flood Risk Prevention and Mitigation, Warning Systems" and "Integrating Climate Change Considerations and Raising Climate Awareness."
Water Day is also supported by the European Commission Mission on Climate Adaptation.
Read more:
Arvamusfestival - Arvamusfestival – koos loome edasiviivad ideed
