B-WaterSmart: A Journey Towards Water-Smart Solutions

KWR played a key role in the B-WaterSmart project, contributing to various European research initiatives aimed at transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, where water plays a central role. In Flanders, KWR, together with De Watergroep, Aquafin, Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt, Vito, the City of Mechelen and VLAKWA, worked on two circular pilots that demonstrated what a water-smart economy and society could look like in practice.

Diksmuide/Woumen and Mechelen pilot

In the Diksmuide/Woumen pilot, the project explored how De Blankaart, the drinking water production center of De Watergroep, could be made more resilient to future threats posed by climate change. The pilot showed that effluent from the Woumen wastewater treatment plant, after purification, could serve as a reliable supplementary source for drinking water production. The integration of a multi-stage membrane purification system (closed circuit reverse osmosis) further enhanced the robustness of the drinking water purification process.

Meanwhile, the Mechelen pilot focused on buffering rainwater from a separated sewer system in a new, smart-controlled basin. After purification, the stored water was made available for nearby agricultural fields, where irrigation was applied via a sub-irrigation system to optimize soil storage capacity during droughts. This pilot demonstrated that local initiatives could reduce flood risks while ensuring water availability for agriculture during dry periods and recharging ground water levels

Communities of Practice

Beyond Flanders, B-WaterSmart made significant strides in five other regions across Europe, driving the transition to a water-smart economy and society. The project embraced the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP), fostering innovation through collaborative ecosystems of stakeholders within each region. These communities worked together to develop and implement innovative water solutions, sharing knowledge and experiences. The pilots carried out within these communities serve as Living Labs, providing a model for other regions and initiatives throughout Europe.

Water Europe Marketplace

B-WaterSmart produced a broad portfolio of cost-effective technologies and data-driven solutions to increase the reuse of water and wastewater, recover energy and valuable materials, and enable smart management of water infrastructure. These solutions are showcased on the Water Europe Marketplace, a central knowledge hub for water-smart innovations developed by B-WaterSmart and other European projects.

Within each Living Lab, the project also explored and suggested new or improved governance structures, policies, and regulations to support the adoption of water-smart solutions. Practical guidance was provided on societal and behavioural issues to ensure the effective acceptance and implementation of these innovations.

Assessment Framework

One of the key outcomes of the project was the development of an assessment framework based on a robust definition of water-smartness. This framework is designed to assist decision-makers and practitioners in their long-term strategic planning as they work toward achieving a water-smart society.

In addition to the technical and policy advancements, B-WaterSmart explored new business opportunities, assessing the market potential of demonstrated solutions and supporting providers on their route to commercialization.

B-WaterSmart-members at the final B-WaterSmart project meeting in Venice, june 2024.

Looking to the Future

The results of the Flanders pilots on system innovation and smart water management were shared with representatives of the entire Flemish water sector at the Living Lab’s closing conference. The pilots underscore that a robust and future-proof water supply requires multiple solutions and close collaboration between water managers, users (such as industry and agriculture), and citizens.

As B-WaterSmart concludes, KWR continues its efforts toward sustainable water management. Together with De Watergroep and Aquafin, KWR is exploring the possibilities of (indirect) water reuse within the NATALIE project, where purified urban wastewater is temporarily stored underground. This project examines both the technical possibilities and the effects of water reuse on the regional water system. Through these initiatives, KWR and its partners continue to drive innovation in water management, working toward a resilient and circular water future for Europe.