A novel, integrated approach to urban water quality monitoring, management and valorisation

"Conventional, fragmented approaches to urban water management are no longer adequate as they have failed (or are likely to fail) from the perspective of cost effectiveness, technical performance, social equity, and environmental sustainability. A system-wide paradigm shift is required towards the formation of a synergic urban-water relationship. Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) provides a framework for interventions over the entire water cycle which simultaneously advance water resources security, enhance the quality of life, optimise economic growth, maintain ecological balance and improve water systems’ resilience to climate change. Effective implementation of IUWM though must overcome some important challenges before these benefits can be realized.UrbaQuantum sets clear Key Strategic Objectives (KSOs) through which the main challenges will be addressed, leading to effective implementation of IUWM. In the heart of the project are the diversified, real-world use cases. KSO #1: Develop sensing strategies & novel sensors for pathogens detectionKSO #2: Develop novel sensors for microplastics and key chemical contaminants of emerging concernKSO #3: Develop new models and approaches for sewer overflows and sewer/surface water interactionKSO #4: Assess sources and pathways of water pollutants via urban stormwaterKSO #5: Support water utilities operators and policymakers in planning (long-term) and operational (short-term) tasks through the integration of an Urban Water Platform (UWP) for decision-supportKSO #6: Validate and demonstrate the approach and tools in real-world conditionsKSO #7: Develop a framework for the effective application of the UrbaQuantum approach. Widely disseminate results & cooperate with the EU-scale stakeholders"