PAS-WATER
PAS-WATER is a comprehensive diagnosis and analysis framework aiming to facilitate an improved water harvesting system at basin or sub-basin scale. This is based on payments to relevant actors for the implementation of specific land-use measures.
PAS-WATER is a flexible toolkit and consultancy service. It works on different spatial scales and develops iterative diagnosis cycles to provide information and evidence to build consensus among stakeholders and public administration for the adoption of a scheme of payments for adaptation services based on water harvesting.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
The main components of the system have been tested separately, and an initial integration exercise has been conducted.
How does it work?
PAS-WATER is run through three iterative steps under the aim of achieving a consolidated PAS scheme. In each step a series of intertwined activities are developed concerning the three main defined approaches: Water Accounting and Auditing; Funding and Payments Schemes; and Multi-Stakeholder Platform. PAS-WATER builds on these ideas by combining multiple scales and successive interactions to get solid agreements on water accounting, economic valuation of provided services, models and schemes for distribution of payments, funding mechanisms and responsibilities for the implementation.
This information is provided through layers with different detail and integrated with the support of key stakeholders at the relevant scale.
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I-REACT
Society as a whole is increasingly exposed and vulnerable to natural disasters because extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are becoming more frequent and longer. In this context, the access to an integrated system providing the main emergency management information and data coming from multiple sources is even more critical to successful disaster risk management.
Current systems for risk management are still limited in their effectiveness. Despite technological progress and the availability of large amounts of data, there is no platform that integrates and analyses in real time all the useful data to manage emergencies for improving prediction and management of disasters.
I-REACT (Improving Resilience to Emergencies through Advanced Cyber Technologies) is a Horizon 2020 3-year project (2016-2019) funded by the European Commission under the Secure Society Work Programme (DRS-1-2015). I-REACT aims to develop a solution through the integration and modelling of data coming multiple sources. Information from European monitoring systems, earth observations, historical information, and weather forecasts will be combined with data gathered by new technological developments created by I-REACT.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
All the I-REACT solutions are operational, meaning that the web-based application for control centers as well as the UAV system are up and running and features a Cloud-based deployment that guarantees availability and reliability. All data streams are operational, meaning that I-REACT regularly receives early warnings for extreme weather events, floods, fires, and weather forecasts. The social media monitoring works 24/7 on 8 hazards and 4 languages (English, Italian, Spanish, Finnish) and the mobile app will be launched in the Android and Apple Stores in Oct 2018.
The I-REACT solutions have been already demonstrated three times with real stakeholders (civil protections, monitoring agencies, fire fighters) in simulated in-field exercises also at international level.
How does it work?
I-REACT integrates existing services, both local and European, into a platform that supports the entire emergency management cycle. In particular, I-REACT will implement a multi-hazard system with a focus on floods, fires and extreme weather events, as they are the most impacting natural hazard affected by climate change.
I-REACT supports three key emergency management phases, i.e. prevention, preparedness and response phases.
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A LAM model for regions with complex orography
The increase in planetary temperature has led to an increase in the thermal energy resources available for convective phenomena, to an increase in the evaporative potential of our seas and, consequently, to an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Extreme weather events are characteristics of the Mediterranean coastal areas and often cause flash floods. During these episodes, the precipitations that occur in a few hours often exceed the rain accumulations that normally occur in several months. Local factors such as the presence of orographic reliefs along to the coastline often determine their intensity. The geographical position and the complex orography of European regions positioned around the Mediterranean sea often cause extreme weather events. In early autumn, the Mediterranean cyclones that originate from the contrast between air masses with very different temperatures and humidity interacting with seawater high temperature affect the surrounding regions. These conditions can cause extreme weather events characterized by sudden and heavy rainfalls and dangerous flash floods. From the geographic point of view, these regions are characterized by a peculiar orography where the warm and moist air coming from Africa is lifted over the orographic barriers, losing its humidity because of the cooling, and these modifications can cause heavy rains. This occurs especially in the autumn seasons when the sea is still warm and able to transfer large amounts of humidity into the atmosphere.
While the climate modeling community is performing runs typically at grid spacing of 100 km, 50 km or at most, 10 km, higher resolutions are needed for places with complex topography and dynamical downscaling seems to be the way to go. The Meteorological Models local circulations accurate simulation ability will rely strongly on resolving the important terrain features over focused area. Since the terrain height depends on the grid resolution model, it is essential that the simulation uses an adequate grid size in order to resolve the terrain forcing over the analysed area.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
The innovation has a TRL 6 because the product has been tested in a relevant environment. This environment is the region of Sicily (I), a region with a complex orography.
The innovation has been tested through numerous case studies in which extreme meteorological events of the past have been analyzed. In this framework, we analyzed and discussed, as a case study, the heavy rains that occurred in Sicily during the night of 10 October 2015 [1]. In just 9 hours, a Mediterranean depression, centered on the Tunisian coast, produced a violent storm of mesoscale located on the Peloritani Mountains with a maximum rainfall of about 200 mm. The analysis was based on the comparison of the model's performance with the data collected by the networks of weather stations available in Sicily.
The obtained results consented to clearly show that the improvement of the model grid spacing, together with the use of more accurate geographic data and the land use data, more suitable for the description of the territory, are the key elements for the prediction accuracy. This is especially true for geographic areas like Sicily that are characterized by the presence of complex orographic structures.
How does it work?
The proposed innovation is based on the development of a WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting model), with ARW (Advanced Research WRF) core, specifically optimized for territories with complex orography, through developments that significantly affect the use of initial high-resolution static orographic data, soil and vegetative coverage data and sea temperature data. A further optimization process of the model is based on the different physical parametrizations The numerical forecasts provided by the models used and the data from the surveys carried out are processed using numerical multiscaling approaches, with particular reference to the wavelets, to identify correlations, trends and anomalies.
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Alma raingarden
Increased rainfall and urban development increase the risk of flooding in many areas. More rainwater and stormwater has to be handled locally. Authorities and developers are looking for solutions that use water and plants to add value to a development in additon to handle the water. Therefore, naturebased solutions are encouraged. At the same time, the construction industry is looking for solutions that have a predictable function, that are well documented and that are easy and quick to install.
Alma Raingarden is a pre-fabricated raingarden that can be used to handle runoff water from roofs and open spaces. It is a nature based solution that is flexible, that can be adapted to a local situation, that works during winter time and that can be built with a large detention capacity. In addition, it provides growth space for plants and it has internal storage capacity for water which is useful for the plants in dryer periods.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
The function of the Alma raingarden has been validated in our own laboratory. Runoff from a particular rain event has been measured and a flow model has been constructed. Two pilot raingardens were installed in 2017 providing growth media for high growing plants. 10 pilot raingardens have been installed to receive runoff water from a roof, however, building activities have not been completed yet and reliable results have not yet been obtained.
How does it work?
Rainwater is guided to the Alma raingarden from roofs or from runoff from open spaces. The Alma raingarden works in three steps:
1. Small amounts of rain will accumulate on the surface of the Alma raingarden and from there infiltrate through the growth media.
2. For medium amounts of rain, water will run directly into the overflow pipe and into the detention chamber. The detention chamber is emptied by infiltration to the ground or through an orifice to the public drainage system. The detention volume can be be significantly increased if it is mounted in a crushed stone basin or another detention basin.
3. For large amounts of rain, water can run into a surrounding raingarden or detention space on the surface.
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Flood planting at Erzeni river
This innovation aims to prevent flooding by planting techniques that are environmentally friendly. It focuses on two alternative solutions. 1) The installation of Coir Logs at the bottom of the river and 2) the planting of three (3) floor vegetation, to enable flood elimination in natural form. Therefore, the innovation is to use of environmentally friendly techniques, like the use of rolls (Coir Logs) instead of conventional methods such as steel nets, concrete slope, fencing and gabions. Combined with use of vegetation, which has a protective function, creates a green corridor, serving as shelter for living organisms and the well-functioning of flora and fauna in the area.
The project's application will make it possible to improve the flood conditions and ensure the protection of areas along the Erzeni river bed. By using a variety of natural materials such as Coir log combined with vegetation, this method not only protects the river bank, but also maintains their ecological continuity and stability. Materials used for river rehabilitation will be environmentally friendly.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
The whole technique proposed is based on applicable methods. The rehabilitation of the Erzen river bed in the municipality of Durres will extend to about 2,000 meters, but this distance will be disconnected along the course where there is a greater need for interference.
This technique enables the prevention of flooding simultaneously to prevent erosion. The results obtained during the first year of monitoring will confirm the success of this method, thus turning it into a practice for preventive measures to flooding in the future.
How does it work?
The re-naturalization or planting process of plants is made in such a way that they can be easily rooted and do not require special treatment, such as reed, willow, poplar suitable for the study area. The proposed project focuses on two alternative solutions. The first focuses on the installation of Coir Logs at the bottom of the river and secondly the planting of three floor vegetations, to enable flood elimination in natural form.
January, 2019
- TRL upgraded from 4 to 5 based on BRIGAID selection assessment
by Sergio Contreras
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Drini Watershed Management in Albania
The innovation is an integrated approach of the natural resources management in order to mitigate effects of floods and other natural hazards (erosion, landslides, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, rainfall and wind storms). The aim is to identify and restore natural environments by improving land use and vegetation coverage (forestland and agriculture land) in terms of environmental services by planting trees, check-dams installation, fences erection and bareland-burned areas grass-seeding lands. There will be building pilot intervention modalities for bio-engineering applications that would enable the stabilization of soil erosion and downstream sedimentation and waterfall retention. The aim is to promote a watershed renewable natural resources sustainable management through application of soil stabilization interventions and flood prevention models and simultaneously enhancing the capacity of local communities management.
The innovation support the restoration of natural eco-systems of optimal forest management for enhancing the hydrological role of vegetation coverage in rainfall retention and flood prevention. This is done by planting trees and burned area’s re-planting and constructing check-dams and seeding soil stabilizing grasses in selected bare lands in selected Drini river catchments.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
1. Identification of areas demonstration and modeling of engineering interventions stabilizing bio-remediation of soil and plant moldings;
2. Demonstration of 4-pilot areas during 2014-2015 within Drini river watershed and develop 4-pilot sites: (i)“Gjoricë”, Dibër sub-region; (ii)“Vig-Mnelë”, Shkodra sub-region; )iii) “Tërthore”, Kukësi sub-region; (iv)“Blinisht”, Lezha sub-region;
3. Public awareness field symposia and training workshops increasing community-based adaptation and resilience against floods and extreme events (erosion, landslides, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, rainfall and wind storms)..
How does it work?
The project will demonstrate bio-engineering models intertwined that will be realized through: The main focus and objective/s of the project will be development of basic concepts of Drini watershed for using of forest effect on watershed`s hydrology in terms of flood prevention, and minimizing its consequences including use of forests and communities of tree species growing in and outside the forest.
August, 2018
The project will demonstrate bio-engineering models intertwined that will be realized through: The main focus and objective/s of the Project will be development of basic concepts of Drini watershed for using of forest effect on watershed`s hydrology in terms of flood prevention, and minimizing its consequences including planting tree species in and outside the forest associated with other biological measures. Hydric functions of forests belong to the best known and most important functions. It means the influence of forest on the water in its widest meaning of the word. Interactions among forest, water and other components of the environment vary widely. Forest is only one factor of water cycle in the landscape, so its impact on the water regime is different in different conditions. The main aim and objective of the project is increasing community-based adaptation and resilience against floods and extreme events (erosion, landslides, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, rainfall and wind storms)..
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NEFOCAST
In spite of the variety of existing methods to measure precipitation, the retrieval of rainfall fields is still a matter of research, because of the high number of applications in different fields critically dependent on rainfall data and thus demanding for upgraded precisions in quantity estimation, spatial distribution and resolution, as well as for homogeneous retrieval over large domains. Telecommunication technologies can bring relevant information on rainfall rate, through the measurement of the attenuation caused by raindrops on broadcast satellite signals, albeit not specifically developed for this.
NEFOCAST is a FAR-FAS research project funded by the Tuscany Region Government (Italy) that aims at setting up, and demonstrating through field experiments, the concept of a system able to provide precipitation maps in real-time based on the attenuation measurements collected by a dense population of interactive satellite terminals (called SmartLNB, smart Low-Noise Block converter) commercially used as bidirectional modems. The system does not require the set-up of specific precipitation measuring instruments, but uses telecommunication links.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
The NEFOCAST system has been initially tested in lab and first assumptions on the algorithms implemented in the service centre have been defined.
In 2018 an experimental network of SmartLNBs has been deployed in Florence and other areas of Tuscany and analysed through a co-located raingauge network and a doppler polarimetric X-band radar for cal/val objectives.
Initlal alghoritms have been revised and improved, while validation of the models and of the solution is in progress.
How does it work?
The NEFOCAST project aims at setting up and validating a system able to provide precipitation maps in real-time based on the attenuation measurements collected by a dense population of interactive satellite terminals(called SmartLNBs), designed to be used as bidirectional modems for commercial interactive TV applications. The system does not require the deployment of specific precipitation measuring devices. The attractiveness of this system is due to the possibility of using a huge amount of attenuation measurements from a widespread network of low cost domestic terminals, especially in urban areas, where a very high density of measurements can be achieved.
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Useful Wastes: Brine transformation to circular economy
Nowadays, many sectors of the industry need high quality water. For this reason industries (chemistry, pharma, food industry, etc) apply reverse osmosis to the running water, wasting more of 30% from this water due to the dumping limit. Also they produce brines that salinize water courses causing environmental problems.
The Useful Wastes innovation is a physical-chemical treatment that treats the brines, producing up to 80% more fresh water and transforming the rest into a product for use in the industry itself. The product generated is NaOCl (bleach) at 1%. This NaOCl is safe, clean, useful and enough to kill microorganisms.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
We are in TRL 6 because we have a first prototype operating and producing 2000 L/day NaOCl. We are testing another prototype that produces more than 6000 L/day and collaborating with companies to optimize the process.
How does it work?
The system consist mainly of two phases:
1) Physical-chemical treatment: First, the salts that interfere with the subsequent process are eliminated. After that, another reverse osmosis is performed. Because the salts have been eliminated, higher pressure can be applied and thanks to this, up to 80% of the water contained in that brine can be recovered. In addition to getting water, a concentration of the brine is produced, which will serve to generate the bleach in the next step.
2) In the second step, the rest of concentrated brine is taken and by electrochemistry it is transformed into 1% NaOCl (bleach).
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CENTAUR
Due to urban spread and more intense rainfall, water infrastructure is often unable to convey flows during rainfall leading to flash flooding and pollution. The usual response is to enlarge assets. However, in confined urban spaces, and with the move away from capital-hungry asset enlargement (“concrete-pouring”), there is a market gap for smart technology that leverages storage already available in networks. This is the gap that CENTAUR fills, at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions.
CENTAUR is an autonomous, intelligent monitoring and control system to reduce urban escapes. It is modular, easily deployed (retrofit), and self-powered. It is deployed “out-of-the-box” without modification of the existing infrastructure.
It is orders of magnitude less costly than alternative capital and space intensive solutions. The system provides “virtual storage”.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
CENTAUR has been developed from prototype through beta to a “zero” version with certifications. A beta version has been protecting a World Heritage Site in Coimbra since October 2017; it has proved very reliable – there have been no maintenance visits - and fit for market rollout. A further trial system has recently been installed in Toulouse, France.
We have specified UK city centre schemes and are talking to interested parties in other parts of the world.
However, the system has not been rolled out to the market yet and therefore doesn’t qualify as TRL9.
How does it work?
CENTAUR senses prevailing network conditions and uses AI to decide operation of a gate to hold water back or let it pass. It makes optimal use of available capacity to avoid escapes.
The technical innovation is around AI, autonomy, melding of different comms and power technologies. Reliability was key to design:
- Radio comms guarantee signal
- Sensor redundancy gives reliable level data
- The system can self-disable if compromised
- The gate has physical fail-safes to eliminate upstream risk
- The central module connects to an internet dashboard for oversight and reconfiguration
- Bluetooth is used to connect to modules
The system is modular, extensible, with lamp-post and in-manhole mounting, powered by solar or batteries.
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Roads for Water
The impact of roads on landscapes and surface hydrology is now often negative. Roads cause erosion. They trigger sedimentation and cause local flooding. Road bodies are a main reason for drainage congestion and water logging. Wetland hydrology is disturbed by roads and fish movement affected, In some desert regions, roads trigger sand dune movement. This impact of roads on the surrounding landscape is not going to diminish. It will rather increase. In the coming decades many more roads and railways will be constructed. Besides, climate change is causing more droughts and floods.
The negative effect of roads on the environment can be reversed if roads are systematically used as instruments for rainwater harvesting. Thus, road harvesting can generate substantial positive impacts: more secure water supply, better soil moisture, reduced erosion and respite from harmful damage. In addition, rainwater harvesting leads to better returns to land and labour, and a higher ability of people, households and communities to deal with and prosper regardless of shocks and stresses.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Since 2015, we have promoted and implemented the Roads for Water concept in Sub-saharan Africa. All technologies have been implemented on the field and socio-economic and hydrological monitoring has been carried out.
How does it work?
Road infrastructure itself can be used to harvest water and redistribute run-off to areas where it is beneficial. Roads either act as an embankment that guide water or act as a drain that channel rainwater. This can be used in a systematic way. The amount of water that can be harvested depends on the rainfall pattern, the catchment area as defined by the road, the rainfall patterns and the land use and soil characteristics within the catchment area.
There are many technologies that can be applied such as the construction of ponds harvesting water from culverts and roadside drainage, trenches and flood-water spreaders
January, 2019
- Hazard classification changed from "Drought" to "Heavy precipitation"
- Webpage link restored
by Sergio Contreras (WP3 leader)
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