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Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella are pathogenic microorganisms that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. These pathogens may be transmitted in a variety of ways, including food and water. The presence of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 in surface waters constitutes a potential threat to human health when used for either drinking or recreation. As with most waterborne pathogens, Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 are difficult to detect and enumerate with accuracy in surface waters due to methodological limitations. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for the detection of Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli virulence genes (stx (1), stx (2) and eae) in water using a single enrichment step and PCR. In spiked water samples, PCR results showed high sensitivity (<3 CFU/L) for both microorganisms. The protocol developed in this study has been applied in different surface waters in association with microbiological and physical analysis. The frequency of PCR positive samples was 33% for Salmonella and 2% for E. coli O157:H7 producing intimin (eae) and Shiga-like toxin I (stx (1)). Moreover, the finding of amplicons corresponding to eae and stx (1) genes in the absence of E. coli O157:H7 suggested the possible presence of other pathogenic bacteria that carry these genes (e.g. EHEC, Shigella strains). The results obtained showed that the developed protocol could be applied as a routine analysis of surface water for the evaluation of microbiological risks.

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&lt;p&gt;While several studies deal with description and causes leading to aquifer overexploitation, relatively few face the challenge of reverting unbalanced situations. Since 60 years, intensive exploitation of groundwater of the lower Cornia valley aquifer system (Tuscany, Italy) resulted in consistent head lowering and water balance deficit, subsidence, reduction of groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems, and salinization of freshwater resources. There, groundwater is the only source of water for drinking, irrigation, industrial purposes and it also contributes to the water needs of the nearby Elba island. We present here the main results achieved within the EU funded LIFE REWAT project (sustainable WATer management in the lower Cornia valley through demand REduction, aquifer Recharge and river REstoration; http://www.liferewat.eu) aiming at rebalancing the water budget of the Cornia river hydrologic system by means of innovation and participatory processes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since 2018, five demonstration measures (river restoration works; Managed Aquifer Recharge; reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation; high irrigation efficiency scheme; leakage management in water distribution systems) were built and set in operation for promoting sustainable groundwater resource management, along with capacity building and participatory actions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Results show an increase in recharge/storage of about 2.5 Mm&lt;sup&gt;3 &lt;/sup&gt;per year, with noticeable effects related to the increase in natural recharge from the Cornia riverbed to the aquifer (for about 1.5 Mm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;/year) due to morphological restoration works. The Managed Aquifer Recharge two-stage infiltration basin of Suvereto guaranteed an increase in recharge of about 0.5 Mm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;/year. Additional storage increase is related to the reduction in leakage losses from drinking water network and thanks to a more careful use of irrigation water in farming. In about two years, thanks also to favorable hydrologic conditions, the groundwater head generally arose of about 2 to 3 m in the Cornia plain. All the technical works have been complemented by a two years long participatory process leading to the signature of The Cornia River Contract. This is a voluntary agreement among the main stakeholders to promote a shared vision on next 50 years needed actions to achieve environmental sustainability along with proper water resources management. The results achieved so far provide a clear trend towards the Cornia aquifer restoration by means of low-impact and nature-based solutions along with a large involvement of the main stakeholders in creating a shared knowledge on the value of the groundwater resource.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Acknowledgement&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This contribution is presented within the framework of the LIFE REWAT project. The LIFE REWAT project received funding from the European Union&#039;s Life Programme LIFE 14 ENV/IT/001290.&lt;/p&gt;