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.
