The drinking water sector is under increasing pressure. Prolonged periods of drought and a growing demand for water are putting traditional sources such as groundwater and surface water under strain, particularly during warmer months. The European Interreg NWE project NEW WATER develops and demonstrates solutions to safely and cost-effectively convert three alternative sources: wastewater, rainwater and polluted surface water into high-quality drinking water.
With 16 partners from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France, NEW WATER explores how innovative treatment technologies, continuous monitoring, new business models and stakeholder engagement can jointly contribute to a future-proof water value chain. At seven demonstration sites, practical solutions are being tested that, once scaled up, could provide reliable drinking water to tens of thousands of people.
Who is this relevant for?
NEW WATER is relevant for:
- Water technology companies offering solutions for water treatment, monitoring, membrane technology, decentralised water systems or smart sensor technology.
- Drinking water utilities and water authorities looking to explore or implement alternative drinking water sources.
- Industries with large water flows (such as food, agri and chemicals) aiming to work towards circular and sustainable water use.
- Governments and regional development organisations focused on climate adaptation and future-proof water supply systems.
- Knowledge institutes and test facilities specialising in water quality, data-driven monitoring and validation.
What does NEW WATER involve?
Within NEW WATER, several components are being developed and scaled up:
1. Pilots & demonstrations at seven locations
Innovative systems are being tested in, among others, Tienen, Dendermonde, The Hague, Almelo, Enschede, Trier and Loudéac for the treatment of:
- industrial wastewater (including from a sugar refinery),
- wastewater from digesters and the food industry,
- rainwater and heavily polluted surface water,
- domestic wastewater.
These pilots generate technical knowledge on treatment processes, monitoring, energy efficiency and upscaling.
2. Transnational implementation handbook
All results will be consolidated into a single international handbook to support organisations in using new water sources in a safe, economically viable and sustainable way.
3. Training & capacity building
Partners are developing training programmes for water utilities, industry and public authorities. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched to build acceptance for the use of alternative water sources.
4. Innovation, monitoring & regulation
NEW WATER develops new technologies and guidelines for water quality, real-time monitoring, legal frameworks and appropriate business models.
How can I get involved?
For technology companies, NEW WATER offers several opportunities:
- Connecting to pilots: opportunities to link technologies to challenges at the demonstration sites.
- Matchmaking via Water Alliance: connections with international partners, technology providers and source owners.
- Contributing to the knowledge base & workshops: sharing expertise or participating in joint knowledge and training programmes.
- Upscaling & replication: opportunities to demonstrate technologies in new markets across North-West Europe.
Keep an eye on Water Alliance channels (newsletter and LinkedIn) for the latest opportunities within this programme.