HOW TO COMPREHENSIVELY APPROACH TO CIRCULAR WATER MANAGEMENT AND USE IN URBAN AREAS?
To tackle this challenge, in the framework of CWC project, we present "Transnational online handbook on circular urban water management and use", decision-support toolkit, containing information about smart planning, governance, engineering, and digital solutions for water saving and water reuse. e- handbook consists of four thematic catalogues.
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In the first thematic catalogue "Smart tools for assessing the potential of urban water use", we present assessment tools that can help decision-makers in planning future investments in urban circular water measures. The basic goal of the assessment tools is to establish mechanisms and measures that can be used in the process of planning potential new investments and ensure compliance with the principles of circular water management. It is essential that the tool allows the identification of technical, environmental, economic, and social impacts of the future investment. In the catalogue, we presented the process of decision-making and evaluation of investments using the approach of multi-criteria analysis in the didactic case "Use of rainwater and treated wastewater for the production of recycled building materials".
The second thematic catalogue "Innovative engineering and nature-based solutions for circular water consumption" contains information on state-of-the-art technology for sustainable rainwater and grey water management. The purpose of the catalogue is to support decision-makers in moving towards a more decentralized approach to water resources management and achieving sustainable development goals.
The third thematic catalogue "Promoting smart water management tools" presents an overview of possible smart approaches to water management in five intervention areas: recycling and reuse of wastewater, increasing water use and distribution efficiency, ensuring good water quality, water retention if possible, on site, promoting water reusability and water sustainability, conserving water bodies. An appropriate water management plan should consider and coordinate all categories of interventions. The case studies collected in this catalogue are good practices that can be used as inspiration for smart management and action.
The fourth thematic catalogue “Novel digital tools promoting water efficiency among citizens/consumers” contains an overview of digital tools and solutions that promote water efficiency and awareness of water saving, rainwater harvesting, wastewater use, waste-free lifestyle. The catalogue includes a collection of concepts, prototypes and marketing solutions based on research from various sources, especially those presented on European research platforms such as Cordis, the EU Science Hub and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
In the springtime next year, our on-line handbook, will be enriched with new chapter- first-hand experience of pilot investments in the field of circular water management in our project cities.
