Evaluation tools targeted at Water and Water Supply Technologies

Deterioration of water quality and reduced availability of water caused by anthropogenic and climate pressures require prompt actions by water managers in order to maximize the economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Technologies for e.g. waste water treatment, water saving and reduction of non-point source pollution are being developed to mitigate the deterioration of the water resources and ecosystems. Efficient selection and implementation of these technologies requires advanced tools. The aim of this research proposal is to extend, improve, adopt and test a suite of management tools targeted at evaluation of water related environmental technologies. The development of tools will consider the specific technological, hydrological and socioeconomic context of the implementation and at the same time ensure a consistent comparison of the efficiency of different technologies. The ET-WATER framework will enable use of systematic and analytical approaches in identifying appropriate and efficient water related environmental technologies required e.g. in order to fulfil goals of the Water Framework Directive or needs related to climate change adaptation, by integrating economic and hydrological tools addressing uncertainties and probabilities. Expected results include flexible water management tools based on state-of-the-art technical, hydrologic and economic knowledge aiming at identifying cost-efficient measures and implementation modalities facilitating the water and environmental management and decision-making process., The water and environmental managers at national, regional and local level and the water management industry will benefit from this development through knowledge transfer using the rich Danish experiences. The export potential of water management tools and advisory services from Denmark will increase.