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      Related

      Projects

      • The different drinking water customers

        Drinking water utilities often direct their strategy and communication to the average customer, or to a small number of customer profiles. There is therefore a good chance that certain groups of individuals…

        Read more about The different drinking water customers
      • Chemradar: high-risk contaminants on the radar?

        New substances are developed and marketed every year. At the same time, our knowledge about existing substances continues to grow. For the drinking water sector, it is essential to closely monitor these…

        Read more about Chemradar: high-risk contaminants on the radar?
      • WaterpatRoon: non-target screening to routine application

        Non-target screening is already a powerful technology for monitoring up to thousands of known and unknown substances in a water sample. However, further improvements will be possible in…

        Read more about WaterpatRoon: non-target screening to routine application
      • Decision-making under deep uncertainty in the drinking water sector – exploring (DAPP) Multirisk Pathways as a methodology

        Climate change, technological developments, and population growth are examples of sources of deep uncertainty that can have a significant impact on the drinking water sector. The Dynamic Adaptive…

        Read more about Decision-making under deep uncertainty in the drinking water sector – exploring (DAPP) Multirisk Pathways as a methodology
      • Protecting Drinking Water Under Different Regulations

        Despite advancements in water treatment methods, pervasive water pollution and discussions about alternative sources of drinking water are eliciting stronger regulatory action and pressing the drinking water sector…

        Read more about Protecting Drinking Water Under Different Regulations
      • Justice as a pillar for the water sector

        In 2023, the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) advocated that justice, along with efficiency and legality, should also constitute an important pillar of climate policy and the related ongoing transitions.…

        Read more about Justice as a pillar for the water sector
      • Role Performance and Stakeholder Strategies

        A utility that does not behave as expected may create unclear situations or even lose credibility. It is therefore essential to examine how role performance is shaped in stakeholder processes and which…

        Read more about Role Performance and Stakeholder Strategies
      • CIRSEAU – Building a water-smart economy and society

        In a water-smart society, all available water resources—including surface water, groundwater, wastewater, and process water—are managed to prevent water scarcity and pollution, increase resilience to climate change, mitigate…

        Read more about CIRSEAU – Building a water-smart economy and society
      • WATERVERSE

        Data spaces are protected environments where participants can access, process and use data, amongst other things. With a focus on water data spaces, the EU-funded Waterverse project aims to develop a water data management ecosystem that will…

        Read more about WATERVERSE
      • NATALIE

        NATALIE addresses the risks posed by climate change and its impacts and proposes to advance the concepts of “ecosystem-based adaptation” in Europe combined with climate resilient development pathways. With the means for impact driven Nature-Based Solutions (NBS),…

        Read more about NATALIE
      • The FRESHMAN-project

        Drinking water companies worldwide have freshwater supply problems. The main freshwater source for the Dutch water utility company Dunea is the Maas River, together with the Lek. However, due to extreme drought and intrusion of salty water…

        Read more about The FRESHMAN-project
      • Getting to grips with indirect discharges

        Water authorities, environmental services and municipal authorities are increasingly seeing discharges of large quantities of chemical waste and other undesirable substances into the drains and therefore indirectly to surface water. That results…

        Read more about Getting to grips with indirect discharges
      • Flexibility in water

        This project addresses the question of how, and in which conditions, water utilities can use the flexibility in the management of their assets to be better placed in a changing energy system. That is important for several…

        Read more about Flexibility in water
      • Water & Energy network group

        Global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions include switching to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Water plays an essential role in this energy transition. In addition, drinking water utilities can contribute to the energy transition with…

        Read more about Water & Energy network group
      • Investigating the options for low-temperature hot tap water in non-residential buildings

        Low-temperature (LT) collective hot tapwater systems have a range of advantages over conventional higher-temperature systems. Legionella safety for hot tap water does represent a significant challenge here. Advantages…

        Read more about Investigating the options for low-temperature hot tap water in non-residential buildings
      • Pesticides in Dutch drinking water sources

        By 2027, the Netherlands must comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the chemical quality of all designated groundwater and surface waters must be good. The latest WFD evaluation has shown…

        Read more about Pesticides in Dutch drinking water sources
      • HPLC-UV screening project

        HPLC-UV (high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection) has been used for over fifteen years by Rijkswaterstaat and Aqualab Zuid to monitor surface water quality. It is a robust, relatively simple technique for the early detection of…

        Read more about HPLC-UV screening project
      • MOMENTUM – Study of the effects of micro- en nanoplastics on health

        Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) have, as a result of plastic use and pollution, been found everywhere, both in the environment and in the human body. The Netherlands…

        Read more about MOMENTUM – Study of the effects of micro- en nanoplastics on health
      • PyHarmony: Development and harmonization of pyrolysis GC-MS methods for the identification and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics

        Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) are a health and environmental concern but little is known about the extent of the problem. Current analytical techniques are unable to reliably quantify…

        Read more about PyHarmony: Development and harmonization of pyrolysis GC-MS methods for the identification and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics
      • IDEATION – Inland Waters in the Digital Twin Ocean

        The European IDEATION project will deliver a comprehensive roadmap to the European Commission, including a reference architecture, use cases, and recommendations for designing a Digital Twin for Inland…

        Read more about IDEATION – Inland Waters in the Digital Twin Ocean
      • Green energy for all: how hydrogen and electricity carry our future

        In their book, Groene energie voor iedereen. Hoe waterstof en elektriciteit onze toekomst dragen, which is also published in English as Green energy for all. How hydrogen and…

        Read more about Green energy for all: how hydrogen and electricity carry our future
      • Aarhus ReWater

        The municipality of Aarhus (Denmark), because its population is growing annually by 5000 people, faces the challenge of both creating a cleaner harbour and bay and increasing the capacity of wastewater treatment plants. The current wastewater treatment…

        Read more about Aarhus ReWater
      • Transformative Area-oriented Management

        The drinking water sector is facing major challenges. Climate change, developments in society and institutional changes are forcing water utilities to seek more collaboration and coordination with other stakeholders so that they…

        Read more about Transformative Area-oriented Management
      • RECREATE

        Eleven European partners will be working together on using alternative sources and additional buffers to strengthen the resilience of water supplies to water scarcity. KWR is leading a work package with four varied regional case studies: in…

        Read more about RECREATE
      • PCR methods for legal parameters

        In determining the (hygienic) quality of drinking water, use is made of E. coli, intestinal enterococci and bacteria from the coli group (coliforms) as indicator organisms. Culture methods are the standard technique used to establish the presence…

        Read more about PCR methods for legal parameters
      • Wiser with Metal

        This practical study investigates how much aquafer can be reprocessed into iron powder of a known quality. If pure enough, the iron powder can be used for a range of high-grade applications, including as a carrier material…

        Read more about Wiser with Metal
      • Rewarding: closing water and nitrate cycles in greenhouse horticulture

        The greenhouse horticulture sector in the Netherlands is working on circular food production. On the road to achieving this goal, the sector must focus on, among other things,…

        Read more about Rewarding: closing water and nitrate cycles in greenhouse horticulture
      • An absolute barrier to PFAS in RO concentrate – no PFAS discharge to the environment in the drinking water sector (PAH PFAS)

        An inventory study (KWR 2021.040) has shown that drinking water utilities find PFAS in their sources. PFAS are removed effectively during treatment with reverse osmosis (RO) but this…

        Read more about An absolute barrier to PFAS in RO concentrate – no PFAS discharge to the environment in the drinking water sector (PAH PFAS)
      • Value Case Development: a process methodology for sustainable decision-making

        Drinking water utilities will have to make major investments in the coming decades in areas such as asset infrastructure in order to maintain their capacity to continue supplying…

        Read more about Value Case Development: a process methodology for sustainable decision-making
      • Closing the Cycle of Nutrients from Wastewater and Process Water (KNAP)

        In this cross-sectoral project within TKI Water Technology and TKI Agri & Food, research partners WUR/WENR, KWR and LeAF are working together with a wide range of public-…

        Read more about Closing the Cycle of Nutrients from Wastewater and Process Water (KNAP)
      • Waterrotonde Eerbeek

        A pilot project has been organised with a circular water management system at the Industriewater Eerbeek (IWE) site. Existing plants treat process water from paper and cardboard mills and recover residual products for use in agriculture. The…

        Read more about Waterrotonde Eerbeek
      • Monitoring, modelling and reducing nitrous oxide emissions from WWTPs

        Towards mitigation strategies for WWTPs through intensive monitoring and modelling of N2O emissions Industry and society are striving to reduce the carbon footprint in response to tackling climate…

        Read more about Monitoring, modelling and reducing nitrous oxide emissions from WWTPs
      • Roadmap for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to monitor microbial drinking water quality

        The Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis method is suitable for investigating the composition of complex microbial populations. NGS is very valuable for identifying changes in the composition of microbial…

        Read more about Roadmap for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to monitor microbial drinking water quality
      • From non-target screening to risk assessment

        Non-target screening, bioassays and computer modelling can provide information about the structure, concentration and toxicity of unknown substances in water. Until now, these chemical, biological and computing methods have often been used…

        Read more about From non-target screening to risk assessment
      • Towards a knowledge programme for PVC pipe systems

        We are researching how drinking water utilities can collect sufficient information about their PVC pipe systems in the years ahead, with a view to further improving the management of existing and yet-to-be-installed…

        Read more about Towards a knowledge programme for PVC pipe systems
      • Determining reliability of modelling of drinking water warming

        Water utilities want to know at which locations in the distribution network, and during which periods, risks of excessively warm drinking water may occur, and what targeted measures…

        Read more about Determining reliability of modelling of drinking water warming
      • Methods for decision-making under deep uncertainty

        Progressing climate change, technological developments and population growth put our society and also the water sector in a situation of deep uncertainty. Deep uncertainty is a technical term for the unpredictability of…

        Read more about Methods for decision-making under deep uncertainty
      • Digital twin as experience accelerator

        In which situations can a digital twin of the distribution process play a valuable role in the training of new staff? This is the central question in the project entitled: ‘On the…

        Read more about Digital twin as experience accelerator
      • System Knowledge and Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus

        Land, food, energy, water and ecosystems are linked to each other (the WEFE nexus), and form interconnected socio-metabolisms at different scales. Within Public Design for Water, we work in…

        Read more about System Knowledge and Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus
      • The ‘Integrated Area Plan’: designing and assessing integrated solutions in area processes

        This project is exploring how professionals working in practice can arrive at well-considered ‘Integrated Area Plans’. An Integrated Area Plan focuses on multiple and integrated solutions for various…

        Read more about The ‘Integrated Area Plan’: designing and assessing integrated solutions in area processes
      • Effect of temperature on the growth of opportunistic pathogens

        This project is investigating how the heating up of drinking water affects the growth of opportunistic pathogens in the mains system. We are using a pilot array that…

        Read more about Effect of temperature on the growth of opportunistic pathogens
      • The effects on biological stability and later growth of mixing treated water from alternative sources and conventionally produced drinking water

        This project will determine the effect of mixing drinking water extracted from new sources (groundwater and surface water) with drinking water from conventional treatment on the biological stability…

        Read more about The effects on biological stability and later growth of mixing treated water from alternative sources and conventionally produced drinking water
      • Sewage surveillance of drug use

        Drug use is a recognised societal problem. It is damaging to public health and has negative (undermining) consequences for public security and the environment. An effective drug policy needs to be founded on reliable drug-use and -dealing…

        Read more about Sewage surveillance of drug use
      • Reliable detection and control of Legionella pneumophila in wastewater

        In recent years, the number of registered patients with a Legionella infection has increased in the Netherlands, with the majority of infections caused by Legionella pneumophila. L. pneumophila…

        Read more about Reliable detection and control of Legionella pneumophila in wastewater
      • Customer Perspectives and Behavioural Research

        In the transition to a more water-aware society, it is essential to listen to and fully understand drinking water customers. How do these customers view drinking water and water conservation? What do…

        Read more about Customer Perspectives and Behavioural Research
      • Social Environment and Area Planning Processes

        We live in a time of transitions and changes, both in organisations and in the physical environment. We have ambitions in the area of climate adaptation, the water transition, the energy transition…

        Read more about Social Environment and Area Planning Processes
      • Futures Studies and Strategy Development

        For the timely recognition of threats and opportunities, and, as a society, to react to them effectively, we need to explore the future. Within Public Design for Water, the Futures Studies and…

        Read more about Futures Studies and Strategy Development
      • Water-kennis: an immersive media experience

        Turn on your tap, shower or flush your toilet, and clean water flows out. But where does this water come from? The availability of enough clean water has become an issue for…

        Read more about Water-kennis: an immersive media experience
      • Monitoring nutrient measures

        In many areas of the Netherlands the surface-water quality still does not meet the WFD targets. In the present project two catchment areas in the provinces of North Brabant and Flevoland are being intensively monitored for nutrients,…

        Read more about Monitoring nutrient measures
      • GRROW: an intergenerational lab for the drinking water sector

        What does the future water sector look like? What needs to change and what do we want to maintain? The GRROW lab project wants to answer that question…

        Read more about GRROW: an intergenerational lab for the drinking water sector
      • Customer Perspectives 2.0

        In the Joint Research Programme (BTO) Customer theme group, four customer perspectives were developed which provide insight into the diversity of drinking water customers, with their different expectations, desires, concerns and needs. In 2018, the distribution and…

        Read more about Customer Perspectives 2.0
      • Can’t escape the WaterScape: transforming water and governance systems for dealing with climate impacts in the Dutch Delta

        With projected increase in floods and drought it is apparent that the Dutch water system needs to change. In WaterScape we explore large-scale spatial transitions in the physical…

        Read more about Can’t escape the WaterScape: transforming water and governance systems for dealing with climate impacts in the Dutch Delta
      • AMVD Reference Document revision

        Dutch drinking water utilities need to demonstrate that drinking water is safe and does not spread any infectious diseases. To this end, they establish for each drinking water treatment process an Analysis of Microbial Safety of Drinking…

        Read more about AMVD Reference Document revision
      • Socio-technological legitimisation of water-related reuse

        Institutional trust and legal and regulatory frameworks can contribute to the socio-technological legitimisation of new technologies for water-related reuse. In this study, twelve legitimisation strategies were identified (see…

        Read more about Socio-technological legitimisation of water-related reuse
      • BTO/WiCE 2024-2029: current and urgent

        The Onderzoeksvisie Gezamenlijk Wateronderzoek voor 2024-2029 voor BTO/WiCE (BTO/WiCE Research Vision of the Collective Water Research for 2024-2029) presents a varied and current programme with innovation, valuable knowledge development and a focus…

        Read more about BTO/WiCE 2024-2029: current and urgent
      • Accelerate Energy Transition with Aquathermia 2.0

        In its National Climate Agreement, the Dutch government has made commitments to reducing the emission of CO2. One of the sectors referred to in the agreement is the built environment. Heat demand…

        Read more about Accelerate Energy Transition with Aquathermia 2.0
      • Effect of temperature on the growth of opportunistic pathogens

        In this study we investigate how the increase in the temperature of drinking water influences the growth of particular pathogens, known as opportunistic pathogens, in the drinking water…

        Read more about Effect of temperature on the growth of opportunistic pathogens
      • Alternative Drinking Water Sources

        Safeguarding microbial safety in the use of alternative drinking water sources is an important subject of concern for the future. For this reason, drinking water utilities are researching the potential of new…

        Read more about Alternative Drinking Water Sources
      • The Ultimate Water Plant

        The Ultimate Water Plant is a collaborative project involving parties in the water sector who want to demonstrate how, and subject to which conditions, treated sewage can be made available as a supplementary source of drinking water.…

        Read more about The Ultimate Water Plant
      • ProVe IT-LT: Proven Safe and Innovative Hot Tap Water at Low Temperature

        A low temperature (LT; 50 °C) in heating networks offers various advantages, such as reduced heat loss during heat distribution. Moreover, a low supply temperature is also increasingly…

        Read more about ProVe IT-LT: Proven Safe and Innovative Hot Tap Water at Low Temperature
      • Longitudinal customer research

        Longitudinal customer research can help drinking water utilities better tailor their services to their customers. To enable the best possible design of these studies, an ‘ideal’ questionnaire has been developed, as a part of a larger whole.…

        Read more about Longitudinal customer research
      • The customer as tourist

        For the drinking water utilities customers are not only drinking water consumers. As tourists they also use the nature areas that these organisations manage. What is the perception of the customer as tourists? And to what extent…

        Read more about The customer as tourist
      • The role of sludge in infiltration ponds in OMP removal during dune infiltration

        Drinking water utilities that use dune infiltration or riverbank filtration employ infiltration ponds with a sludge layer. This project investigates the role played by the thickness and conditions…

        Read more about The role of sludge in infiltration ponds in OMP removal during dune infiltration
      • ANCHOR: broad knowledge development about urban water reuse

        In this project, we will study the application of water reuse in the built environment from technical, societal, governance and economic perspectives. The goal is to establish a…

        Read more about ANCHOR: broad knowledge development about urban water reuse
      • Biological treatment of RO concentrate

        Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment technique that involves the use of semi-permeable membranes to remove unwanted molecules and particles. It is an effective way of extracting a wide variety of…

        Read more about Biological treatment of RO concentrate
      • Risk of L. pneumophila with heating networks

        In this project, a qualitative microbiological risk analysis is being conducted to determine the effect of using heating networks for domestic connections on the number of patients with L. pneumophila. In addition, we…

        Read more about Risk of L. pneumophila with heating networks
      • VIPNL: Wetland crops on water-rich peat

        This project is investigating how wetland agriculture on water-rich peat can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land subsidence, and deliver improvements in water quality and biodiversity. The focus is on…

        Read more about VIPNL: Wetland crops on water-rich peat
      • TUBES as a controlled test environment for low-threshold pilot projects

        In this project, we are investigating the possibilities and limitations of distributed-optical-fibre detection techniques in a controlled test environment. This projectis being organised in a broad alliance of…

        Read more about TUBES as a controlled test environment for low-threshold pilot projects
      • Lead from brass components – phase III

        This project examines the Dutch drinking water sector’s sampling protocol to control lead concentrations at the tap. With a tightening of the lead standard, the performance of this protocol needs to be…

        Read more about Lead from brass components – phase III
      • Insight into connecting pipes

        There is still not enough attention being paid to connecting pipes in the transport and distribution network of the Dutch water utilities and De Watergroep in Flanders. Our understanding of the condition, failure probability and residual lifespan…

        Read more about Insight into connecting pipes
      • Impact of internal factors on malfunctions

        Can malfunctions and/or repair work and pump operations lead to new malfunctions in the mains? This project will investigate this question by determining whether there is a statistical relationship between these factors…

        Read more about Impact of internal factors on malfunctions
      • Quantitative added value of digital water meters and other sensors at customer locations

        What are the benefits for the distribution process of different versions of smart water meters and the additional sensors? In this project, quantitative descriptions and model studies will…

        Read more about Quantitative added value of digital water meters and other sensors at customer locations
      • Improving the reliability and practicality of an AI-based tool for data validation and correction

        Water companies are increasingly using sensor data for advanced process monitoring and control for key variables. They are therefore increasingly reliant on high-quality data. In this project, the…

        Read more about Improving the reliability and practicality of an AI-based tool for data validation and correction
      • Reduction of pressure on groundwater through reuse of water from dairy plants in agriculture

        Groundwater in the Netherlands is under pressure, both in terms of quantity and quality. Groundwater is used in several activities, including drinking water production, agriculture and industry. In…

        Read more about Reduction of pressure on groundwater through reuse of water from dairy plants in agriculture
      • Digital water – building a conceptual cost-benefit framework based on the experiences of frontrunners

        Several water companies at home and abroad have taken far-reaching steps in digitising their operations. In this project, we deepen our understanding of the drivers of frontrunners for…

        Read more about Digital water – building a conceptual cost-benefit framework based on the experiences of frontrunners
      • Evaluation of Aeromonas legal standard

        Since the 1980s Aeromonas in drinking water has been included as a microbiological parameter in the Dutch Drinking Water Decree. Currently, Aeromonas standard exceedances are generally tolerated, partly because it is unclear…

        Read more about Evaluation of Aeromonas legal standard
      • Biomonitoring of atmospheric nitrogen deposition with mosses

        It was expected that the emission of nitrogen during the COVID-19 crisis and the lockdowns would diminish because of the sharp reduction in human activities. This would apply…

        Read more about Biomonitoring of atmospheric nitrogen deposition with mosses
      • Automatic water-quality control for good recirculation water in greenhouse horticulture

        Greenhouse horticulture irrigation water, when recirculated, acquires a complex composition. The impact this has on crops is for the most part unknown. The possibility of determining whether the…

        Read more about Automatic water-quality control for good recirculation water in greenhouse horticulture
      • Biological stability parameters in operational practice

        New methods for determining and predicting biological stability developed since 2010 are applied less often in daily drinking water practice than are the previously existing older methods. This,…

        Read more about Biological stability parameters in operational practice
      • Fast alternative for the heterotrophic plate count at 22°C (HPC22) following interventions in the drinking water distribution system

        This project will determine which method is suitable for the detection of anomalies in the microbial water quality following maintenance activities or pipe breaks in the drinking water…

        Read more about Fast alternative for the heterotrophic plate count at 22°C (HPC22) following interventions in the drinking water distribution system
      • PUSH-IT: demonstration and development of seasonal underground heat storage systems

        The EU aims to become carbon neutral by 2050. Large-scale seasonal underground heat storage has an important part to play in meeting this objective, because heating and cooling…

        Read more about PUSH-IT: demonstration and development of seasonal underground heat storage systems
      • Solar panels on water reservoirs

        Drinking water reservoirs have a large water surface. The installation of floating solar panels on reservoirs can be an effective strategy to generate energy. However, the question is, if and what impacts do solar panels have on…

        Read more about Solar panels on water reservoirs
      • Power-to-X Province of Utrecht

        The Dutch energy system has to be clean and future-resilient in the future, but also reliable and affordable. The local production of renewable solar or wind energy plays a crucial role in this transition. The Power-to-X approach…

        Read more about Power-to-X Province of Utrecht
      • Water Quality Knowledge Impulse

        Over the past four years, work in the Water Quality Knowledge Impulse has focused on learning more about the quality of groundwater and surface water, and the factors that affect that quality. The aim of the Water…

        Read more about Water Quality Knowledge Impulse
      • PARC: European partnership for the assessment of risks from chemicals

        The EU-wide research and innovation programme PARC was established in order to improve the risk assessment and sustainability of chemicals. The PARC project will strengthen the scientific basis…

        Read more about PARC: European partnership for the assessment of risks from chemicals
      • Chances for Concentrate

        In this project, we are investigating how the circular processing of concentrated residual streams can contribute to future-resilient and socially responsible freshwater supplies. This involves recovering water and producing raw materials for which there is a market.…

        Read more about Chances for Concentrate
      • Implementation of screening and NTS methods in practice

        Drinking water laboratories have recently expressed a need for the further integration of screening methods, including non-target screening (NTS), in the methods used to monitor water quality. Technological…

        Read more about Implementation of screening and NTS methods in practice
      • Environmental forensics: pollution signatures

        The presence of anthropogenic substances in the drinking water chain poses challenges for the water sector, and specifically for drinking water companies. That presence is undesirable, and sometimes even problematic. Although treatment…

        Read more about Environmental forensics: pollution signatures
      • Big data – analysis and integration of chemical and toxicological data

        Monitoring the water quality of drinking water is challenging due to the presence of complex mixtures of mostly unknown substances that vary in concentration and composition. Over the…

        Read more about Big data – analysis and integration of chemical and toxicological data
      • Effect-based monitoring of water quality in the circular economy

        Freshwater from groundwater or surface water sources is becoming scarce in dry periods, driving a rise in interest in the use/re-use of rainwater and treated domestic and industrial…

        Read more about Effect-based monitoring of water quality in the circular economy
      • Drugs production waste in groundwater: field research and action perspectives

        Little is still known about the impact of the long-term or extensive discharge of chemical waste from the production of synthetic drugs (SYNDRU) on groundwater quality and therefore…

        Read more about Drugs production waste in groundwater: field research and action perspectives
      • Toxicology on Target

        The domain of toxicological risk assessment is constantly evolving and it is essential to follow these developments closely. It has been noted that an adequate response to water quality issues requires the ongoing development of knowledge and…

        Read more about Toxicology on Target
      • Microplastics in water treatment

        Plastics are a ubiquitous part of everyday life and they are found in fresh water throughout the Netherlands. In this project, we describe the nature and levels of microplastics (20 - 500 µm) at different stages of…

        Read more about Microplastics in water treatment
      • Text mining for the early detection of relevant water pollutants

        Long before substances are included in regulations and monitoring programmes, text sources such as reports, social media, press releases, regulatory agency websites or the scientific literature can provide…

        Read more about Text mining for the early detection of relevant water pollutants
      • Are PMOCs less toxic?

        Persistent mobile organic compounds (PMOC) accumulate in the water cycle and are hardly removed during water treatment. For a long time, these substances have been under-researched but recent studies show that they are present in worrying concentrations.…

        Read more about Are PMOCs less toxic?
      • Nanoplastics in drinking water

        It is becoming increasingly clear that plastic is everywhere. That has been demonstrated in numerous environmental compartments, including soil, sediment, surface water and air. Data about the presence of microplastic particles in surface water are sparse, and…

        Read more about Nanoplastics in drinking water
      • Water-soluble polymers – Eyes and ears for Chemical Safety 2019-2020

        Water-soluble polymers are often neglected because they are not covered by the definition of microplastics and are not visible. As a result, very little is still known about…

        Read more about Water-soluble polymers – Eyes and ears for Chemical Safety 2019-2020
      • VO Eyes and ears for Chemical Safety 2019-2020 (LDIR and biofilm)

        The regrowth and biofilm formation of micro-organisms on pipe material and membranes lead to problems in drinking water systems. To combat biofilm formation, a knowledge of the dynamics…

        Read more about VO Eyes and ears for Chemical Safety 2019-2020 (LDIR and biofilm)
      • Clearer picture of the formation of transformation products during drinking water treatment thanks to integrated strategies

        During drinking water production, biotic and antibiotic processes can form transformation products (TP) from organic micropollutants (OMP). How these substances behave in water treatment and how toxic they…

        Read more about Clearer picture of the formation of transformation products during drinking water treatment thanks to integrated strategies
      • Improved prioritisation and fragmentation improve the identification of unknown substances with non-target screening

        Non-target screening (NTS) is based on the combination of liquid chromatography in conjunction with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). In addition, tailored data analysis, with target and suspect screening,…

        Read more about Improved prioritisation and fragmentation improve the identification of unknown substances with non-target screening
      All projects ()

      Collaboration

      • EU Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)

        EU Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)

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      • Water in the Circular Economy (WiCE)

        Water in the Circular Economy (WiCE)

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      • World Health Organization (WHO)

        World Health Organization (WHO)

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      • Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC)

        Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC)

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      • Water Europe

        Water Europe

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      • Aqua Research Collaboration (ARC)

        Aqua Research Collaboration (ARC)

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      • Universities

        Universities

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      • Allied Waters

        Allied Waters

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      • Watershare

        Watershare

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      • TKI Water Technology

        TKI Water Technology

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      • European research

        European research

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      • Waterwijs

        Waterwijs

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      • Dune water company joint research (DPWE)

        Dune water company joint research (DPWE)

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      All collaborations ()

      Subjects

      • Wetland cultivation

        Wetland cultivation

        Rewetting peatlands is a necessary measure to reduce land subsidence and CO2 emissions and to…

        Read more about Wetland cultivation
      • Tools to measure circularity

        Tools to measure circularity

        Sustainability and circularity are societal objectives – but what is sustainable and how do you…

        Read more about Tools to measure circularity
      • Reuse

        Reuse

        What we used to see as a waste stream, we now consider a residual stream…

        Read more about Reuse
      • Smart water solutions

        Smart water solutions

        The water sector faces significant challenges around water quantity and quality. Water utilities and Water…

        Read more about Smart water solutions
      • Digital transformation journeys

        Digital transformation journeys

        The big challenge faced by water utilities and the water sector in a digital transformation…

        Read more about Digital transformation journeys
      • Regional freshwater supply in collaboration

        Regional freshwater supply in collaboration

        The competition for water requires coordinated decisions at the regional level. How much water can…

        Read more about Regional freshwater supply in collaboration
      • Sewage research

        Sewage research

        Sewage water holds a mirror up to society: it contains all sorts of chemical and…

        Read more about Sewage research
      • Reducing emissions or negative impact

        Reducing emissions or negative impact

        An ideal circular system has no emissions and no negative impact on our living environment…

        Read more about Reducing emissions or negative impact
      • Nature inclusive water resources management

        Nature inclusive water resources management

        Climate change and a rising demand for water are placing the supply of water for…

        Read more about Nature inclusive water resources management
      • Groundwater of good quality

        Groundwater of good quality

        Thanks to its predominantly good and stable quality, groundwater is one of the most important…

        Read more about Groundwater of good quality
      • Using microbes for better water quality

        Using microbes for better water quality

        Most microorganisms present no risks to humans and nature. Some can actually help us reduce…

        Read more about Using microbes for better water quality
      • Circular systems

        Circular systems

        In a circular economy, materials, energy and water are recycled and reused. The realisation of…

        Read more about Circular systems
      • Alternative resources and water reuse

        Alternative resources and water reuse

        One way of being careful about the current freshwater resources – especially groundwater – is…

        Read more about Alternative resources and water reuse
      • Urban ecohydrology

        Urban ecohydrology

        Climate change and urban densification are exerting growing pressure on the quality of life and…

        Read more about Urban ecohydrology
      • Risks of microbial pathogens and contaminants

        Risks of microbial pathogens and contaminants

        In order to provide sufficient protection for humans and nature, we need to know what…

        Read more about Risks of microbial pathogens and contaminants
      • Integrated water and energy systems

        Integrated water and energy systems

        The Dutch energy system must become clean and future-proof, but also remain reliable and affordable.…

        Read more about Integrated water and energy systems
      • Restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity

        Restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity

        In the Netherlands, 90% of the habitat types have a poor or bad conservation status.…

        Read more about Restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity
      • To measure is to know

        To measure is to know

        KWR develops methods for the whole water cycle to measure, identify, quantify and monitor microorganisms…

        Read more about To measure is to know
      • Innovative water distribution

        Innovative water distribution

        Water distribution systems ensure the transport of drinking water and other water to users. A…

        Read more about Innovative water distribution
      • System knowledge about the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus

        System knowledge about the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus

        Land, food, energy, water and ecosystems are linked together in the so-called WEFE (water-energy-food-ecosystem) nexus, and…

        Read more about System knowledge about the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus
      • Sustainable heating and cooling

        Sustainable heating and cooling

        About half of the energy consumed in the Netherlands is used for heating, so we…

        Read more about Sustainable heating and cooling
      • Innovative water treatment

        Innovative water treatment

        The treatment of drinking water and of wastewater are today carried out mostly independently of…

        Read more about Innovative water treatment
      • Impact of the energy transition on water utilities

        Impact of the energy transition on water utilities

        The energy transition impacts the operational management, role and assets of drinking water utilities in…

        Read more about Impact of the energy transition on water utilities
      • Customer perspective and behavioural research

        Customer perspective and behavioural research

        In the transition to a more water-aware society, it is essential to listen to and…

        Read more about Customer perspective and behavioural research
      • Futures studies and strategy development

        Futures studies and strategy development

        For the timely recognition of threats and opportunities, and, as a society, to react to…

        Read more about Futures studies and strategy development
      • Sufficient water

        Sufficient water

        The freshwater supply in the Netherlands is under pressure. We cannot count on having sufficient…

        Read more about Sufficient water
      • Social environment and area planning processes

        Social environment and area planning processes

        We live in a time of transitions and changes, both in organisations and in the…

        Read more about Social environment and area planning processes
      • Water resource loop closure

        Water resource loop closure

        KWR maps out the possibilities and opportunities available for closing the water cycle, locally or…

        Read more about Water resource loop closure
      • Biological activity

        Biological activity

        Growth of microorganisms in (drinking) water can present risks to public health and lead to…

        Read more about Biological activity
      • Emerging contaminants
        Health Health

        Emerging contaminants

        Emerging contaminants are a possible threat to the public health and environment. KWR develops smarter,…

        Read more about Emerging contaminants
      • Microbial safety
        Health Health

        Microbial safety

        Water safety is vital. Citizens must be able to drink and swim in safe water,…

        Read more about Microbial safety
      • Safe innovation and the water sector
        Health Health

        Safe innovation and the water sector

        Technological innovations can involve risks to (drinking) water and public health. Greater public awareness, and…

        Read more about Safe innovation and the water sector
      • Sustainable use of freshwater resources
        Sustainability Sustainability

        Sustainable use of freshwater resources

        Access to sufficient and clean freshwater is not a given. Globally, the water sector is…

        Read more about Sustainable use of freshwater resources
      • Climate change and resilience
        Sustainability Sustainability

        Climate change and resilience

        The water sector needs practice-oriented research to help it confront the wide-ranging consequences of climate…

        Read more about Climate change and resilience
      • Sustainable energy
        Sustainability Sustainability

        Sustainable energy

        There is a worldwide drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift to cleaner, more…

        Read more about Sustainable energy
      • Sustainable resources
        Sustainability Sustainability

        Sustainable resources

        The circular economy is the alternative to the current – essentially linear – economy. While…

        Read more about Sustainable resources
      • Stakeholder involvement and governance
        Society Society

        Stakeholder involvement and governance

        Stakeholder engagement is an effective means of connecting technical and social-governance issues. KWR has a…

        Read more about Stakeholder involvement and governance
      • Citizen science and public participation
        Society Society

        Citizen science and public participation

        Increased citizen engagement is confronting the water sector with steadily growing demands. A connection needs…

        Read more about Citizen science and public participation
      • Valorisation
        Society Society

        Valorisation

        Given the urgency of current water challenges, public authorities, utilities and industry feel a strong…

        Read more about Valorisation
      • Futures studies and response strategies
        Looking ahead Looking ahead

        Futures studies and response strategies

        Futures research improves the resilience of the water sector by supporting anticipatory governance and by…

        Read more about Futures studies and response strategies
      • Hydrogenomics
        Enabling technologies Enabling technologies

        Hydrogenomics

        Genomic techniques are developing at a very rapid pace in health, life, forensic and environmental…

        Read more about Hydrogenomics
      • Hydroinformatics
        Enabling technologies Enabling technologies

        Hydroinformatics

        Hydroinformatics is the application of information technology in its broadest sense on water-cycle related issues,…

        Read more about Hydroinformatics
      • Innovative water treatment technologies
        Enabling technologies Enabling technologies

        Innovative water treatment technologies

        Drinking water treatment is subject to many demands and, today, the challenges it faces are…

        Read more about Innovative water treatment technologies
      • Future-proof networks
        Enabling technologies Enabling technologies

        Future-proof networks

        Even if the Netherlands has a superbly functioning drinking water network, parts of it are…

        Read more about Future-proof networks
      • New materials and technologies
        Enabling technologies Enabling technologies

        New materials and technologies

        Detecting and removing emerging contaminants calls for advanced materials and technologies. KWR develops knowledge about…

        Read more about New materials and technologies
      All subjects ()

      Tools

      • ESTAR
        ESTAR

        ESTAR

        Read more about ESTAR
      • HomeWaterLab
        HomeWaterLab

        HomeWaterLab

        Read more about HomeWaterLab
      • TUBES
        TUBES

        TUBES

        Read more about TUBES
      • REWAB
        REWAB

        REWAB

        Read more about REWAB
      • AquaPriori
        AquaPriori

        AquaPriori

        Read more about AquaPriori
      • EDWARD
        EDWARD

        EDWARD

        Read more about EDWARD
      • HydroMonitor 1.0
        HydroMonitor 1.0

        HydroMonitor 1.0

        Read more about HydroMonitor 1.0
      • Governance Capacity Analysis
        Governance Capacity Analysis

        Governance Capacity Analysis

        Read more about Governance Capacity Analysis
      • Contamination Source Toolkit
        Contamination Source Toolkit

        Contamination Source Toolkit

        Read more about Contamination Source Toolkit
      • WaterVision Nature
        WaterVision Nature

        WaterVision Nature

        Read more about WaterVision Nature
      • Comsima
        Comsima

        Comsima

        Read more about Comsima
      • Gondwana
        Gondwana

        Gondwana

        Read more about Gondwana
      • USTORE
        USTORE

        USTORE

        Read more about USTORE
      • SIMDEUM
        SIMDEUM

        SIMDEUM

        Read more about SIMDEUM
      • Self-Cleaning Networks
        Self-Cleaning Networks

        Self-Cleaning Networks

        Read more about Self-Cleaning Networks
      • Network Flow Performance
        Network Flow Performance

        Network Flow Performance

        Read more about Network Flow Performance
      • Mains Investment Planning
        Mains Investment Planning

        Mains Investment Planning

        Read more about Mains Investment Planning
      • Water-Use Info
        Water-Use Info

        Water-Use Info

        Read more about Water-Use Info
      • OptiValves
        OptiValves

        OptiValves

        Read more about OptiValves
      • City Blueprint
        City Blueprint

        City Blueprint

        Read more about City Blueprint
      • Clean Membrane
        Clean Membrane

        Clean Membrane

        Read more about Clean Membrane
      All tools & products ()

      News

      • TKI Watertechnologie: Stapsgewijze aanpak van PFAS-meettechnieken biedt beter zicht op blinde vlekken
        News

        TKI Watertechnologie: Stapsgewijze aanpak van PFAS-meettechnieken biedt beter zicht op blinde vlekken

        20 May 2025 — PFAS: de watersector loopt tegen veel uitdagingen rond deze omvangrijke – en vaak schadelijke – stoffengroep aan. Het…

        Read more about TKI Watertechnologie: Stapsgewijze aanpak van PFAS-meettechnieken biedt beter zicht op blinde vlekken
      • Everyone gets a hearing at the VHP4Safety Designathon at KWR
        News

        Everyone gets a hearing at the VHP4Safety Designathon at KWR

        08 May 2025 — The sixth Designathon of the Virtual Human Platform for Safety Assessment (VHP4Safety) was at KWR in early April.…

        Read more about Everyone gets a hearing at the VHP4Safety Designathon at KWR
      • Joining forces for sustainable water use in industry: A successful TKI matchmaking event
        News

        Joining forces for sustainable water use in industry: A successful TKI matchmaking event

        07 May 2025 — The TKI Matchmaking Event 2025 took place on 23 April: a gathering of policymakers, technology providers, industrial end-users…

        Read more about Joining forces for sustainable water use in industry: A successful TKI matchmaking event
      • EGU 2025: Understanding and Adapting under Deep Uncertainty
        Blog
        Peter van Thienen PhD

        EGU 2025: Understanding and Adapting under Deep Uncertainty

        06 May 2025 — The 2025 EGU General Assembly is a rich and intense event covering Earth’s systems and their interactions. After…

        Read more about EGU 2025: Understanding and Adapting under Deep Uncertainty
      • Year Review 2024: Balance
        News

        Year Review 2024: Balance

        04 April 2025 — The Year Review of 2024, titled “Balance”, describes a year in which KWR’s commitment to a range of…

        Read more about Year Review 2024: Balance
      • KWR granted European patent for the use of natural viruses to monitor treatment processes
        News

        KWR granted European patent for the use of natural viruses to monitor treatment processes

        04 April 2025 — After receiving a Dutch patent in 2019, KWR has now also been granted a European patent for an…

        Read more about KWR granted European patent for the use of natural viruses to monitor treatment processes
      • KWR at the 14th IWA Water Reuse and Reclamation Conference in Cape Town
        Blog
        Mariëlle van der Zouwen PhD MA Sandra Sikkema Kees Roest PhD BSc Johann Poinapen PhD, FIEAust, CPEng

        KWR at the 14th IWA Water Reuse and Reclamation Conference in Cape Town

        03 April 2025 — Four KWR representatives—Mariëlle van der Zouwen, Sandra Sikkema, Kees Roest and Johann Poinapen—had the privilege of participating in…

        Read more about KWR at the 14th IWA Water Reuse and Reclamation Conference in Cape Town
      • Award-winning paper describes the ‘state of the science’ on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
        News

        Award-winning paper describes the ‘state of the science’ on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.

        01 April 2025 — The 2024 Willem Koerselman Prize was awarded on 1 April to Gertjan Medema for his contribution to the…

        Read more about Award-winning paper describes the ‘state of the science’ on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
      • Prediction of pipe failure with Artificial Intelligence
        Blog
        Tessa Pronk Martin Korevaar MSc PhD Peter van Thienen PhD

        Prediction of pipe failure with Artificial Intelligence

        01 April 2025 — Pipe failure causes loss of drinking water and damage to third parties. Knowing when or where it occurs…

        Read more about Prediction of pipe failure with Artificial Intelligence
      • AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 3
        Blog
        Frank Oesterholt MSc Nienke Koeman PhD MSc Julian Muñoz Sierra PhD EngD

        AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 3

        27 March 2025 — On the last day of the AquaNL trade fair, several presentations were again scheduled. Below, Nienke Koeman-Stein and…

        Read more about AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 3
      • AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 2
        Blog
        Luuk de Waal MSc Joep van den Broeke

        AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 2

        27 March 2025 — On Wednesday 19 March, the themes of ‘water purification & circularity’ took centre stage at the AquaNL trade…

        Read more about AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 2
      • AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 1
        Blog
        Roberta Hofman PhD MSc Tessa Pronk Stefan Kools PhD

        AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 1

        27 March 2025 — Researchers Tessa Pronk, Stefan Kools and Roberta Hofman shared their insights about the projects ‘Substances on the radar’…

        Read more about AquaNL Trade Fair: Day 1
      • Reflections from AquaTech 2025
        Blog
        Johann Poinapen PhD, FIEAust, CPEng Kees Roest PhD BSc Aleida Hommes MSc Mariëlle van der Zouwen PhD MA Bram Hillebrand MSc Idsart Dijkstra MSc MBA

        Reflections from AquaTech 2025

        25 March 2025 — From March 11-14, KWR researchers have attended AquaTech Amsterdam, one of the world's leading exhibitions for process, drinking…

        Read more about Reflections from AquaTech 2025
      • Water under pressure: Roberta Hofman at the Water Gala
        News

        Water under pressure: Roberta Hofman at the Water Gala

        21 March 2025 — The Water Gala, an event organised by New Scientist and the HU University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht,…

        Read more about Water under pressure: Roberta Hofman at the Water Gala
      • Focus on tackling water challenges and educating young water professionals
        News

        Focus on tackling water challenges and educating young water professionals

        10 March 2025 — Hogeschool Utrecht en KWR hebben een samenwerkingsovereenkomst getekend voor de aanstelling van een bijzonder lector op het gebied…

        Read more about Focus on tackling water challenges and educating young water professionals
      • Developing knowledge on practical scale to solve PFAS problem
        News

        Developing knowledge on practical scale to solve PFAS problem

        18 February 2025 — Initial results from the PFAS Living Lab project are promising. For example, leaching of PFAS with soap works…

        Read more about Developing knowledge on practical scale to solve PFAS problem
      • “It is possible: a healthy groundwater system as water buffer and water source”
        News

        “It is possible: a healthy groundwater system as water buffer and water source”

        14 February 2025 — ''Since 1 July 2024, Ruud Bartholomeus has been extraordinary professor of Plant Water Stress and Regional Water Management…

        Read more about “It is possible: a healthy groundwater system as water buffer and water source”
      • What we know about PFAS: the current situation
        News

        What we know about PFAS: the current situation

        12 February 2025 — Experts in water quality and water treatment talk about how KWR supports the water sector in developing knowledge…

        Read more about What we know about PFAS: the current situation
      All news items ()
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