Climate-resilient management for safe disinfected and non-disinfected water supply systems

Project Information

SafeCREW

Grant agreement ID: 101081980

DOI

10.3030/101081980

Project closed

EC signature date 28 September 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 4 186 197,50

EU contribution

€ 4 186 197,25

Coordinated by

DVGW DEUTSCHER VEREIN DES GAS- UNDWASSERFACHES - TECHNISCH-WISSENSCHAFTLICHER VEREIN EV
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SafeCREW (Climate-resilient management for safe disinfected and non-disinfected water supply systems)

Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2024-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The safe and affordable supply of drinking water is a key priority in the EU, especially considering pressure of climate change. Due to increasing water temperature and higher levels of microbial/natural organic matter (NOM) loads, the reliable operation of disinfected and non-disinfected drinking water supply systems (DWSS) will become more challenging. Related questions are the microbial stability of non-disinfected drinking waters and possible future adaptions to disinfection. In this context, the consequences of new disinfection by-product (DBP) formation have to be tackled also.

At the three SafeCREW case study sites, located in northern Germany, Italy and Spain, relevant data sets on the occurrence and concentration of as yet unknown DBP, as well as comprehensive other water quality parameters are generated. These data, together with newly developed treatment solutions and new knowledge on water distribution networks, will lead to better management and maintain current high drinking water quality. All actors of the water industry are stimulated to further develop tools for disinfection by-product quantification and mitigation. This includes all processes from water source via treatment to distribution.

SafeCREW aims to support the novel EU Drinking Water Directive (DWD) by developing tools and guidelines for disinfected and non-disinfected DWSS. The project will increase the preparedness of the EU water sector for challenges arising from climate change and will support the EU’s leading position in science-based policymaking for drinking water consumer protection.

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

Concerning disinfection by-products (DBP), new analytical methods for the detection of 15 sulfonated, polar DBP detection have been developed (WP1). The method has already been applied successfully in real water samples of the case studies. A trihalomethanes (THM) online analyser, including THM specification has been developed and will be installed in two case studies. The test protocol for in vitro bio-based assays for toxicity assessment of DBP is ready and has been applied for different real water samples. Moreover, improvements in the characterisation of natural organic matter (NOM) in water samples before/after disinfection have been achieved by linking two measurement methods with the novel DBP detection method and toxicity tests.

With respect to treatment (WP2), three new technological solutions have been set up and are currently investigated for their implementation to minimise the exposure of drinking water consumers to DBPs. These are: (i) a membrane-based process to remove fractions of NOM before disinfection; (ii) new adsorption materials and (iii) a novel oxidation-based process.
Monitoring work in full scale treatments has been taken up in the case studies, applying the new analytical methods in order to understand NOM behaviour and optimise currently used treatment technologies. Two sampling campaigns have been carried out at the case study sites. Here, e. g. managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is monitored to understand seasonal changes in the face of climate change. For development of a meta model to link water quality and toxicity to operating parameters, data of 27 waterworks has been analysed. Four waterworks have been selected for detailed monitoring and further model development for improved disinfection management.

WP 3 is dedicated to supporting the management of distribution networks, with development of prediction models, management tools and guidelines. Work has started on effects of lining resins on DBP formation. Model development for DBP prediction can be started now, while the development of management tools is planned in the last project year.

WP 4 aims at developing transferable tools and transferring outputs and methodologies to end-users in an Open Science/Data framework. Progress has been achieved on the definition of climate change scenarios and their impacts on water quality and resilience of DWSS. For development of the supporting tools for routine DWSS management, data collection and the preliminary soft-sensor implementation are in progress. Work on the risk framework and the guidance document will follow in the upcoming project period.

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)

At the current stage, six novel analytical and monitoring tools for comprehensive water characterisation have been developed. While development work is continued for two of these tools, four of the tools are already applied in the case studies and to monitor the effectiveness of SafeCREW’s novel drinking water treatment solutions.

As an advanced, integrated and cost-effective water quality sensor, the new online THM measurement instrument with THM differentiation is a major key exploitable result (TRL6). This already indicates a significant contribution to better understanding and enhanced knowledge required to assess pollution sources, pathways and combined effects on drinking water systems.
Two analytical methods for unknown DBPs have been developed and used to obtain initial data on the occurrence of sulfonated DBPs. These methods can be defined as a high potential scientific result. They will be used to achieve progress on the implementation of measures to protect drinking water supply.
Toxicity profiling protocols have been developed and are ready for use in the case studies. Regarding progress on NOM characterisation in source water and during treatment, three analytical methods have been optimised and prepared for application in the case studies.

Three innovative treatment technologies have been identified as key innovations and their exploitation roadmap has been outlined, resulting in significant progress towards the implementation of water treatment technologies to avoid or remove DPB. These treatment technologies will increase the preparedness of the EU water sector for challenges arising from climate change.

Graphical abstract of SafeCREW. 4 case studies and approach. Copyright Tutech.