Completed NRP 73 research project: Challenges of modular water infrastructure systems

Modular water technologies have evolved at a tremendous rate in recent years. One of the areas to have benefited is the integration of modular technologies (e.g. local grey water and rainwater purification or treatment) in existing water infrastructures. These technologies can be used in drinking water production, grey water treatment and nutrient-eliminating wastewater treatment. Furthermore, new sensors and communication technologies are making it possible to operate and monitor a large number of modular installations safely.

We investigated the opportunities and risks that these developments are expected to yield in terms of more sustainable use of water as a resource in Switzerland. 

Urban water management is facing considerable sustainability issues (climate change, new pollutants, ageing infrastructure). Using state-of-the-art technology, it could be possible to remedy these issues by adopting substantially more decentralised and modular solutions. 

Cost estimates for the transition to hybrid infrastructures in selected Swiss municipalities make it clear that existing modular systems would be economically viable even if they were introduced now. This applies not only to remote settlements, but also to the outskirts of urban areas and inner urban areas such as former industrial sites that are being redeveloped. Falling costs in the future will improve the overall market potential of modular water treatment systems.

However, considerable regulatory and operational challenges still have to be overcome before systems can be comprehensively rolled out. The radical change taking place in the electricity and automotive sectors shows the relative speed at which such decentralised systems develop. Initial pilot programmes under the careful supervision of local experts will be crucial in determining how such systems spread and in shaping the innovation strategies of various players.

 

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Truffer
Environmental Social Sciences Department
EAWAG
+41 58 765 56 70
bernhard.truffer@eawag.ch