Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

Article Category

Results Pack

Article available in the following languages:

Digitalisation through the ICT4WATER cluster to boost innovation in the water sector

Water is key for society and for the economy. We need to address the pressing water challenges, adapt water resource management to mitigate the effects of climate change, combat resource pollution and depletion, manage demands for water, address the water–energy nexus, and prevent degradation of ecosystems. Digital solutions can play a vital role in addressing some of these challenges.

Industrial Technologies icon Industrial Technologies
Society icon Society
Energy icon Energy

This CORDIS Results Pack highlights 12 projects funded under the Horizon 2020 programme and showcases their innovative ICT solutions. These solutions include applying low-cost sensors, Big Data analytics, applications for consumers and novel approaches to identify leaks and reduce water loss and improve forecasting of water demand. These solutions will also allow for more efficient water monitoring, use and treatment, contribute to pollution reduction, promote resource recovery and reuse, and support climate change adaptation of water and related sectors. The solutions achieved are in line with the priorities of the von der Leyen Commission “European Green Deal” and “A Europe Fit for the Digital Age”. In particular, these projects support the digital transformation as a critical enabler for attaining the sustainability goals of the European Green Deal by contributing to the EU’s climate ambition and the zero-pollution ambition, as well as mobilising industry for a clean and circular economy.

A high-tech approach

The projects included in this Result Pack are members of the ICT4WATER cluster, a hub for EU-funded research and innovation projects that demonstrate the need for the digital transformation of the water sector. At the same time, the water sector is going through transformations targeted at resource efficiency and water re-use in the context of a more circular rather than linear value chain approach. These transformations bring new challenges in terms of automation and digitalisation requirements similar to what has happened in other industries and sectors. To face these challenges, the ICT4Water cluster has developed an Action Plan that contributes to the Digital Single Market strategy. The cluster involves researchers, water utilities, local authorities and active citizens collaborating to develop and test new ideas.

EU research - innovation and application

The SWAMP project showcased Internet of Things (IoT) methods and approaches for smart water management and precision irrigation and piloted them in Spain, Italy and Brazil. Another project, SIM4NEXUS, applied model-based analysis to predict society-wide impacts of resource use and relevant policies on sectors such as agriculture, water, biodiversity and ecosystem services. INNOQUA developed a modular system using earthworms, zooplankton and microalgae to treat wastewater in both urban and rural environments. Smart-PLANT explored how technologies for recovering valuable materials from wastewater can be applied to existing sewage treatment plants to form marketable products. Meanwhile, the WADI project developed cost-effective aerial surveillance systems to rapidly find leaks and minimise loss. INTCATCH built ‘smart’ boats equipped with multi-parameter sensors to monitor water pollution. The Ground Truth 2.0 project co-designed and implemented citizen observatories that help local stakeholders achieve sustainable natural resource management through the collection of data by citizens. POWER investigated new ways of raising awareness and transferring knowledge among citizens to enable effective exchange between stakeholders. Then we have INCOVER that developed innovative and sustainable technologies for resource recovery-based treatment of waste-water. INTEGROIL created a smart platform for producing fit-for-purpose water that will reduce the oil and gas industries’ water demand. AquaNES demonstrated innovative water and wastewater treatment processes and management based on improved, combined natural and engineered systems. Finally, CENTAUR developed a new approach to the real-time control of sewer networks to reduce local flood risk in urban areas.

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Inspiring and activating European cities in the energy transition
Climate Change and Environment icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Synchronising local energy and climate initiatives to increase global impact
Climate Change and Environment icon
Energy icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Putting cities at the heart of energy transition
Climate Change and Environment icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
A new hub to foster energy renovation of buildings
Climate Change and Environment icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Improving energy efficiency of municipal buildings in Greece
Climate Change and Environment icon
Energy icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Municipalities team up to amplify energy transition successes
Climate Change and Environment icon
Energy icon

26 September 2022

News
Climate Change and Environment
Empowering central and eastern Europe to meet energy and climate commitments
Climate Change and Environment icon
Society icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Designing, harmonising and implementing energy strategies at the local level
Climate Change and Environment icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Building a renovation framework that puts impact first
Climate Change and Environment icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Vienna thrusts building renovation to centre stage
Climate Change and Environment icon

26 September 2022

News
Society
Cities join forces to deliver energy-efficient, renewable heating and cooling
Society icon
Energy icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Time to take action on public building sustainability
Climate Change and Environment icon
Energy icon

26 September 2022

Results in Brief
Climate Change and Environment
Mobilising public authorities’ effective long-term energy policymaking
Climate Change and Environment icon
Energy icon

26 September 2022