Deploying innovative wastewater management, treatment and valorisation solutions in European cities and regions in the context of climate change

Expected Outcome: Projects are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: Cities and regions are equipped with innovative practices for urban wastewater management, adapted to climate change, taking into account: energy efficiency, energy and secondary raw material recovery and water reuse, including opportunities for renewable energy generation and secondary resource production, implemented at city and regional level. Treatment infrastructures and management solutions are deployed and upscaled for water, storm water and wastewater in cities and regions, with positive effects on climate adaptation, biodiversity, air and water pollution reduction, resource valorisation and energy efficiency. Knowledge is disseminated about innovative practices, governance and business models for integrated (waste)water management, in the context of climate change among relevant stakeholder groups to facilitate effective replication and upscaling. Actionable insights are developed to support European cities and regions in addressing the main administrative, governance and financing barriers for rain- and waste-water management, recovery of resources (secondary raw materials, water and energy) and their (market) valorisation. Scope: This topic supports the implementation of the EU Mission Climate-Neutral Smart Cities , EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change as well as the EU Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). It aims to support the water sector in European cities and regions in accelerating their climate neutral, climate resilient and circular transition. The recast EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive [1] introduces new requirements on energy neutrality at national level for urban wastewater treatment plants treating population equivalents of over 10,000 (UWWTPs). It also requires management plans for stormwater overflows, and consideration of circular economy measures to stimulate the reuse of nitrogen, phosphorus and water. Wastewater infrastructure investment is a significant expense and generally addresses only the collection and treatment aspects. To make the most of such investments, adopting a holistic and integrated approach is vital. By combining insights from land use, wastewater characteristics, and sewer system knowledge, we can better manage rain run-off during extreme weather, optimize the recovery of resources such as secondary raw materials, water, and energy, and prevent pollution incidents related to stormwater overflows. Furthermore, incorporating a regional approach might allow smaller wastewater utilities to share resou…