Urban ecohydrology

Create a climate-robust and biodiverse city through ecohydrological knowledge

Climate change and urban densification are exerting growing pressure on the quality of life and biodiversity in cities, which is increasingly suffer from flooding and heat. At the same time, the need to make better use of rainwater in cities is increasing. This calls for multi-faceted blue-green solutions in the form of nature-inclusive water management, because space in cities is used intensively and for numerous purposes. The interaction between water, the subsurface and vegetation is complex, and characterised by a high dynamic and extremes. A good grasp of these interactions is required in order to optimally and robustly organise urban areas.

Methods, tools and products

With the research on urban ecohydrology, process knowledge from classical ecohydrology is applied to the urban context. This relates for instance to the behaviour of water in the vadose zone, transpiration through plants, water stress and oxygen stress. Using this process knowledge, we develop new solutions for climate adaptation and biodiversity in the city, and underpin the effects of these solutions on the temperature, water supply and flooding in cities.

Projects

KWR applies ecohydrological knowledge in various projects for climate-robust and biodiverse cities:  

The Urban Photosynthesis; three functions on a single roof project involves research in the urban environment on an integrated solution, which closes as many water loops as possible at the building level, combined with the generation of solar energy on green roofs with water storage (blue-green roofs). In this way, we can simultaneously contribute to three functions in dense urban areas: greening, water reuse and energy generation.  

The Straatwater Filtratie (Steet Water Filtration) TKI project develops methods to protect groundwater quality in blue-green urban infrastructure projects in a feasible and reliable manner. This makes it possible for street water to be used locally, safely and efficiently for infiltration into groundwater, thereby reducing both flooding from precipitation, and water shortages for urban green spaces in times of persistent drought. In thus contributes to the health, biodiversity and cooling of cities. 

The CitySports – climate-adaptive artificial pitches TKI project is directed at tackling extensive urban densification and climate change in cities. To this end, every location has to serve multiple functions so that cities can remain healthy and habitable. The CitySports project has developed an innovative solution that allows pitches with artificial turf to help store water and combat heat stress.  

Smartroof 2.0 project provides solutions for heat stress in the urban environment by optimising the cooling effect of plant transpiration on blue-green roofs. The project has produced a widely applicable roof system, as well as unique measurements of the water and energy balance of blue-green roofs. The system also contributes to the reduction of runoff and makes a greater diversity of vegetations possible, which furthermore helps sustain a rich insect life.