Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ToDrinQ (TOolkit for aDaptable, Resilient INstallations securing high Quality drinking water)
Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-05-31
The overall objective of ToDrinQ project is to support the implementation of the revised Drinking Water Directive and enhance the knowledge around how drinking water is protected, monitored, treated. Water companies face challenges in delivering high-quality drinking water, especially when it comes to removing harmful substances like organic and harmful micropollutants, -organisms, disinfection, and heavy metals. To tackle these challenges and keep the quality high during water distribution, ToDrinQ is developing real-time water sensors to monitor water quality quickly; advanced treatment methods to remove pollutants and chemicals and user-friendly tools to help water companies plan and manage their water systems effectively. To make sure these innovations work efficiently, ToDrinQ is partnering with 5 water companies. With 5 demo cases in the Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland, France and Czech Republic, ToDrinQ project addresses water quality challenges from source protection to treatment and distribution to ensure safe and clean drinking water for all.
During the first period, ToDrinQ project held co-creation workshops with the 5 demo cases to identify the specific needs for the ToDrinQ tools and create testing plans for new technologies. ToDrinQ developed ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ sensors for measuring water quality. In particular:
• 5 “hard sensors” were developed for directly measuring specific heavy metals, pesticides, salts, and micro-organisms in drinking water. These sensors were tested at the demo cases and further improved for accuracy.
• 8 “soft sensors” have been developed to estimate, indirectly, the levels of hard-to-measure drinking water quality factors such as algae blooms, turbidity and water quality index.
In addition to the sensors, a tool to measure micro-organisms was developed to make the measurement of these organisms easier and more accurate. Moreover, 2 new treatment methods are being developed, one uses a biological process to remove organic matter from drinking water, and the other is a material designed to remove PFAS chemicals. To assist with the design of new drinking water treatment plants, the project created a model tool to explore different design options. Finally, a start has been made to develop a decision support tool for operators of drinking water supply, using, amongst others, the input from ToDrinQ.
During the first reporting period of ToDrinQ, 5 sensors have been made portable, easy to use and tested at the demo cases, while the detection limit of the sensors went down and can compete with laboratory measurements. Further, a sensor was created to monitor algae growth in water sources, using on-site and satellite data. A trial version of a new water treatment system, called a biofilm reactor, was also set up and tested to remove organic materials from water. Finally, a prototype design tool was introduced to help drinking water companies plan effective treatment systems tailored to their specific needs. This tool would make it possible for drinking water companies to obtain information and advice on possible treatment solutions for obtaining a high drinking water quality, free from pathogenic micro-organisms, organic micro-pollutants, disinfection by-products and heavy metals.
• 5 “hard sensors” were developed for directly measuring specific heavy metals, pesticides, salts, and micro-organisms in drinking water. These sensors were tested at the demo cases and further improved for accuracy.
• 8 “soft sensors” have been developed to estimate, indirectly, the levels of hard-to-measure drinking water quality factors such as algae blooms, turbidity and water quality index.
In addition to the sensors, a tool to measure micro-organisms was developed to make the measurement of these organisms easier and more accurate. Moreover, 2 new treatment methods are being developed, one uses a biological process to remove organic matter from drinking water, and the other is a material designed to remove PFAS chemicals. To assist with the design of new drinking water treatment plants, the project created a model tool to explore different design options. Finally, a start has been made to develop a decision support tool for operators of drinking water supply, using, amongst others, the input from ToDrinQ.
During the first reporting period of ToDrinQ, 5 sensors have been made portable, easy to use and tested at the demo cases, while the detection limit of the sensors went down and can compete with laboratory measurements. Further, a sensor was created to monitor algae growth in water sources, using on-site and satellite data. A trial version of a new water treatment system, called a biofilm reactor, was also set up and tested to remove organic materials from water. Finally, a prototype design tool was introduced to help drinking water companies plan effective treatment systems tailored to their specific needs. This tool would make it possible for drinking water companies to obtain information and advice on possible treatment solutions for obtaining a high drinking water quality, free from pathogenic micro-organisms, organic micro-pollutants, disinfection by-products and heavy metals.
ToDrinQ has made significant progress in developing sensors and tools to improve drinking water quality. A major achievement is the creation of portable sensors that can measure contaminants like heavy metals, salts, pesticides, and harmful microorganisms. These sensors provide results that match the accuracy of laboratory tests, making it possible to get fast, affordable results without the need to send samples to a lab. Tested at the demo sites, these sensors, are developed from technology readiness level (TRL) 3 (proof of concept) to TRL 4 (implement and test) with performance that competes well with other options on the market, leading to potential upscaling.
Additionally, new “soft sensors” were created as cost-effective alternatives to traditional water monitoring. These sensors that have been developed detect factors like algae growth, water clarity, and chemical levels in the water. They offer advanced solutions and have shown promising initial results, paving the way for further development.
Another breakthrough is the adaptation of a type of water treatment technology called the "membrane aerated biofilm reactor." While typically used in wastewater treatment, ToDrinQ developed a version specifically designed for drinking water, which has already moved closer to practical use through successful testing.
Additionally, new “soft sensors” were created as cost-effective alternatives to traditional water monitoring. These sensors that have been developed detect factors like algae growth, water clarity, and chemical levels in the water. They offer advanced solutions and have shown promising initial results, paving the way for further development.
Another breakthrough is the adaptation of a type of water treatment technology called the "membrane aerated biofilm reactor." While typically used in wastewater treatment, ToDrinQ developed a version specifically designed for drinking water, which has already moved closer to practical use through successful testing.