The supply of fresh water, the sewage system and wastewater treatment are the infrastructure areas with the most urgent need for action and investment. Metropolises in industrial countries tend to struggle with the continuing need for the maintenance and modernization of their sewer, collection and treatment facilities. The high expenditure of energy in distribution and wastewater systems is a constant challenge, along with water quality, the shortage of groundwater, and the security of supplies. There are also major challenges in related areas such as flood control in coastal regions and safeguards against harmful substances and environmental influences at water reservoirs.
This solutions for a low-resource and cost-effective water supply and wastewater treatment include economical energy concepts for water transport, purification and storage, along with new measurement and automation technologies for the inspection and monitoring of pipes, sewers, and storage and treatment facilities. The latest results of applied research extend from smart, wirelessly networked control systems for storage and treatment facilities to automated harmful substances checks and the recovery of rare earths from wastewater.
Efficient waste recycling initially requires functioning waste and refuse separation in companies, government and private households. Plans for waste avoidance in the development and management of efficient material reuse processes are needed as well. At the same time, entirely new technical processes are partially available for the cost-effective recycling of individual ingredients and the environmentally acceptable recycling of a wide variety of wastes. There are also systems for general urban waste management, transportation and highly secure final disposal in landfills.
