Nature and LED based rain water treatment for reuse in green cities

Introduction

Creating alternative sources for water supply is critical to enhance the climate adaptive capacity of European cities.

Challenges in Water Supply

Seasonal restrictions on water use are an increasingly common phenomenon across EU member states. Cities strive to adapt to changing climate conditions, add green areas to combat heat stress, and attenuate extreme rain events. Meanwhile, the urban population continues to grow exponentially, leading to the expansion of built-up areas. This growth increases the pressure on the water infrastructure network and drinking water production.

It is evident that the centralized water management model has reached its limits. Therefore, creating alternative sources for sustainable water supply is pivotal to make European cities climate resilient.

Project Overview

LIFE GreenLED will enhance the climate adaptive capacity of cities by developing and implementing a scalable solution for a safe and reliable decentralized water supply.

Technology Integration

BlueBloqs, a nature-based biofiltration and aquifer storage technology, will be integrated with a low energy and high efficiency UV LED disinfection system. This integration aims to create an alternative source of fit-for-purpose water in urban areas.

Demonstration Sites

Two demonstration sites will be implemented in:

1. Madrid (ES)
2. Alphen aan den Rijn (NL)

These sites will provide proof that nature-based treatment solutions enhanced by UV LED treatment can offer a safe and reliable water source to meet the growing water demand. This approach will help reduce the use of drinking water for non-potable urban applications.

Expected Impact

In this way, GreenLED will have an impact on securing water availability and making cities resilient.