Innovative methodology to prevent and mitigate diffuse pollution from urban water runoff

Project Information

WATERUN

Grant agreement ID: 101060922

DOI

10.3030/101060922

Project closed

EC signature date 2 June 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 31 May 2026

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 3 974 187,50

EU contribution

€ 3 970 437,50

Coordinated by

ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION METALURGICA DEL NOROESTE
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - WATERUN (Innovative methodology to prevent and mitigate diffuse pollution from urban water runoff)

Reporting period: 2023-12-01 to 2025-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Diffuse Pollution from Urban Rainwater Runoff: A Global Challenge
Urban rainwater runoff is a major contributor to diffuse pollution, posing serious environmental risks worldwide. Although rainwater appears clean, it becomes contaminated as it flows over streets and rooftops, collecting dust, animal waste residues, microplastics, and other harmful substances. This type of pollution negatively affects both human health and ecosystems, and its impact is exacerbated by climate change, which brings more intense rainfall and shifts in precipitation patterns.
Urbanization further complicates the issue by reducing natural infiltration processes, limiting the ground’s ability to absorb runoff.

WATERUN Project: Innovative Solutions for Urban Runoff Management
The aim of WATERUN is to provide innovative tools and methodologies to improve water runoff management in urban areas.
The project is structured around three interconnected research lines; each applied to three case studies in regions with varying climatic conditions:
1. Pollutant Identification and Measurement: This line focuses on identifying the types of pollutants present in urban runoff and developing methods to measure them. Field sampling campaigns are underway, and specialized sensors are being developed to detect microplastics and PAHs directly in the environment.
2. Source Tracking and Distribution Analysis: Researchers are investigating the origins and spatial distribution of pollutants within urban settings using modelling and simulation techniques.
3. Preventive Measures and Infrastructure Planning:To prevent pollutants from reaching natural water bodies, WATERUN is designing software to support the strategic placement of green infrastructure across urban areas. The effectiveness of sustainable urban drainage systems and constructed wetlands is also being assessed in the case studies.
Additionally, the project is developing software to ensure that runoff management practices do not pose risks to public health or the environment.

Stakeholder Engagement for Practical Impact
To align its solutions with real-world needs, WATERUN facilitates local stakeholder boards in each case study area. These boards provide feedback on the project’s tools and methodologies, helping refine them for broader application.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The WATERUN project has made significant progress across its work packages. In WP1, seven co-creation sessions were held in Santiago and Aarhus, along with three international stakeholder events in Amman and Martinique. These activities helped refine the Toolbox and Policy Frameworks, ensuring alignment with user needs. In WP2, a monitoring protocol was established, and standardized methods for microplastic analysis were agreed upon. Improvements in nanoparticle synthesis and colorimetric assays enhanced the sensitivity of smartphone-based PAH detection, with recoveries over 72%. A new photobox prototype for microplastic imaging was developed, offering better illumination and usability.
WP3 delivered a prototype version functioning web-based tool for identifying urban pollution sources (CleanCityCover) and developed a conceptual framework for a stormwater planning model integrating SWMM and the MUST-B concept. These tools were supported by data exchanges and field campaign coordination for initial model validation. In WP4, pilot plants in Santiago were constructed and commissioned, while Aarhus continued generating performance data. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) are progressing, with most construction phase data collected.
WP5 produced a beta version of a risk-based decision support system (DSS), including Python tools for microbial and chemical risk assessments (QMRA/QCRA), integrated with GIS for stakeholder communication. The system can adjust risk calculations based on green infrastructure and includes an early warning system using real-time rainfall data to produce warning in the GIS map about restriction on the management of harvested runoff. WP6 and WP7 focused on communication, dissemination, coordination, and overall project management.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

By month 36 (M36), the WATERUN project had not yet fully developed any Key Exploitable Results (KER), Other Exploitable Results (OER), or non-commercial outcomes with significant scientific, societal, or economic impact. These results require further research within the project’s timeline. A first version of the Exploitation Plan was released in M6, outlining potential results and identifying promising directions. To support future uptake, several strategic activities were conducted, including the formation of local stakeholder co-creation committees and one-on-one workshops between exploitation partners and developers to define business scenarios and stakeholder needs.
During Reporting Period 2 (RP2), the consortium made notable progress in shaping the exploitation strategy. Business models for key innovations were drafted and refined through dedicated workshops. For example, the DCU Monitoring Solution (OER1) was designed as a hardware-as-a-service model targeting water utilities and environmental labs, with revenue from sensor sales, rentals, and support. UFZ’s services (OER3) were envisioned as long-term, non-profit consultancy for municipalities, focusing on climate resilience and flood control. UNIVPM’s Decision Support System (OER4) was proposed as a licensing model with consultancy support, helping cities comply with EU wastewater regulations.
To further accelerate exploitation, WATERUN applied to the Horizon Europe Booster Programme, aiming to develop a potential WATERUN Service Hub as a key exploitable result.