Freshwater resources management

KWR brings together the pieces of the freshwater resources management puzzle

KWR researchers develop and apply methods and tools to analyse the availability of freshwater and, where necessary, to increase it, at both local and regional levels. Freshwater resources management involves a complicated puzzle, and our research helps, on a local scale, to expand and improve the available ‘pieces’ – for example, through the use and reuse of natural and alternative sources for a range of applications. We study the possibilities for aquifer storage, using innovative techniques and sometimes under challenging conditions, but we also look at new techniques for capturing water on green roofs in the city.  

Stakeholders work together on the water transition

On the regional scale, we work on a water transition in collaboration with various stakeholders, who need to collectively face the challenges of water demand and supply, both on local and regional levels. We provide methods and tools to initiate discussions about water supply, while focussing on different interests and needs. In this manner, we jointly reach broadly-supported and well-founded problem definitions and create scope for action. Soil and groundwater are central to our approach, so that good groundwater quality is crucial. To this end, KWR conducts pioneering research, from determining what substances are present in the subsurface and how they behave, through to the impact of possible policy measures. Based on a wide range of research, we offer the tools for the protection of groundwater quality, today and in the future. 

KWR can also assist with your freshwater resources management issues. What issue can we help you tackle? 

• I want to always have sufficient water at my disposal. Then you can read more on our page about Sufficient water.

Climate change and drought exert pressure on the availability of water. KWR studies the processes behind evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge, and develops solutions such as aquifer storage, and controlled drainage with subirrigation, which can contribute to the supply of sufficient water for various sectors. Read more.

• I want to use residual water as an alternative resource of freshwater. Then you can read more on our page about Alternative resources and water reusek.

The use of alternative water resources and the reuse of water can contribute to the availability of sufficient water. KWR researches how this can be accomplished responsibly, without risks to the environment and public health, and assists in organising the necessary collaboration between sectors, water supply and water demand. Read more.

• I want to have more insight into the groundwater quality and possibilities of improving it. Then you can read more on our page about Groundwater of good quality.

The quality of groundwater is under pressure: past contaminants can sometimes take decades before reaching the sources of drinking water, while new contaminants also present threats. KWR provides extensive knowledge about the interactions between water, soil and substances that is needed to assess risks, improve or protect groundwater quality, and responsibly infiltrate water.  Read more.

• I want to discuss the regional freshwater supply with stakeholders. Then you can read more on our page about Regional freshwater supply in collaboration.

Well-founded choices about the distribution of the available water need to be made at the regional level by all stakeholders. KWR offers understanding and visualization of the effects of measures and adaptations by means of models and serious games, so that regional partners can take thorough and comprehensible decisions in order to achieve a future-proof water system. Read more.