Regional Freshwater Resources Management

The challenge is to ensure that sufficient water of the right quality remains available in the right place and at the right time, both now and in the future. This requires a better understanding of water systems, more efficient use of available resources, and a collaborative approach to achieving a climate-resilient and future-proof freshwater supply.

Impact: Just and sustainable freshwater availability

KWR brings together the pieces of the freshwater resources management puzzle. We develop knowledge, methods, and tools to analyse, enhance, and sustainably manage freshwater availability at local and regional scales. This includes exploring innovative solutions such as the use of alternative water sources, underground water storage, and novel approaches to urban water harvesting.

We also support regional stakeholders in making well-informed decisions on water supply and water allocation. By providing insights and tools to facilitate dialogue on water availability, while recognising diverse interests and needs, we help stakeholders jointly develop shared and evidence-based problem definitions and identify opportunities for action. In this way, we create the conditions for informed decision-making and effective adaptation pathways.

Our partners

We collaborate with drinking water utilities, water authorities, national and regional governments, industry, and the agricultural and horticultural sectors, often in research consortia but also through dedicated bilateral research projects. We establish and carry out field pilots, for example within TKI Water Technology projects.

In Horizon Europe projects, we work together with European and national partners on the development and exchange of knowledge at the international level. Through these collaborations, we help translate scientific insights into practical solutions that contribute to sustainable and climate-resilient water management.

What we do

• Sufficient Water

Climate change and drought are putting increasing pressure on water availability. Climate change and drought exert pressure on the availability of water. KWR studies the processes behind evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge, and develops solutions such as aquifer storage, and controlled drainage with subirrigation, which can contribute to the supply of sufficient water for various sectors.

• Alternative Resources and Water Reuse

The use of alternative water sources, like brackish groundwater, and water reuse can contribute to the availability of sufficient water. KWR researches how this can be accomplished responsibly, without risks to the environment and public health, and assists in organising the necessary collaboration between sectors, water supply and water demand.

• Groundwater of Good Quality

The quality of groundwateris under pressure: past contaminants can sometimes take decades before reaching the sources of drinking water, while new contaminants also present threats. KWR provides extensive knowledge about the interactions between water, soil and substances that is needed to assess risks, improve or protect groundwater quality, and responsibly infiltrate water.

• Regional Freshwater Supply in Collaboration

Well-founded choices about the distribution of the available water need to be made at the regional level by all stakeholders. KWR offers understanding and visualization of the effects of measures and adaptations by means of models and serious games, so that regional partners can take thorough and comprehensible decisions in order to achieving a future-proof water system.

Expertise and Knowledge Domains

Within this impact theme, KWR brings together expertise in hydrology, water quality, water treatment, and governance. Researchers work across disciplines to address challenges related to water availability, water quality, and decision-making. In doing so, we combine field research, monitoring, modelling, and innovative technologies with participatory methods that support stakeholder engagement and dialogue.

We place co-creation at the heart of our work, collaborating closely with water utilities, public authorities, civil society organisations, and industry. By jointly developing knowledge and practical solutions, we ensure that research findings are directly applicable in policy and water management and support the water transition.