SafeCREW

Investigation of unknown disinfection by-products and exhaustive characterisation of the formation of those already known.

With the results, commercial methods will be developed to quantify and reduce these by-products to avoid negative effects on human health.

During the project, three case studies are carried out to promote the characterisation of water quality, develop new treatment methods and improve the management of water distribution networks to maintain a high quality of drinking water. This includes all processes, from the water source, through treatment and distribution.

Climate change poses major challenges for Europe’s drinking water supply. With the increase in water temperature and heavy rain events, there will also be a greater presence of organic substances and microorganisms in the water sources. Established processes that have so far ensured a high quality of drinking water need to be changed and adapted.

Eurecat works on this project through its Water, Air and Soil Unit (WAS), which determines the impact of climate change on water quality and treatment systems. It is also in charge of optimising drinking water treatment systems to minimise chlorine disinfection by-products, as well as their modelling in distribution networks.

The Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) Unit applies artificial intelligence tools in this modelling, while the Omic Sciences Unit analyses disinfection by-products in drinking water in the Tarragona case study.

The SafeCREW consortium is made up of 10 entities from 5 European countries, integrating research institutes, water distributors, SMEs and environmental agencies.

Caption: Pumping station at the Tarragona Water Consortium’s ETAP in l’Ampolla