H2O October 2017 Special Edition

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26 October 2017 50th year

Royal Netherlands Water Network

h2owaternetwerk.nl

SPECIAL EDITION

AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK Roelof Kruize: ‘We want breakthroughs’ Aquatech: A record-breaker on all fronts New icons Dutch water sector

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H2O NR10 OCTOBER 2017

Royal Netherlands Water Network

CONTENT 4

Roelof Kruize wants Amsterdam Agreements

NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

12 FLOODEX EUROPE Focus on cross-border collaborations 13. AQUATECH A record-breaker on all fronts

16. FLOOR MAP AQUATECH

John Batten: a massive growth in the resilience movement

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9. PROGRAM AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK One-stop shop for inspiration, insights, showcases, solutions and new connections

14. PRODUCTNEWS

18 26

AND MORE

24. EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK ‘There is sufficient money available, but too few suitable projects’ 30. A MEGA-DOWNPOUR IN AMSTERDAM 33. IN THE PICTURE Dax Boot: ‘Water was never far’ 40. ART PIECE Cooling on an Amsterdam Roof

Jorg Simon (Berlin): Learn from Amsterdam rainproof

New Dutch icons: Marker Wadden and migration river

42. NEW BUSINESS Aquatech: pioneering technologies at Dutch innovation avenue 46. WATER SCIENCE Agriculture and drinking water extraction can be compatible

COLOPHON H2O magazine, H2O-Online, Water Matters and H2O Video are editions of ­ oyal Netherlands Water Network (KNW) PUBLISHER Monique Bekkenutte (KNW) R CHIEF EDITOR Bert Westenbrink EDITORS Loes Elshof, Marloes Hooimeijer, Mirjam Jochemsen, Dorine van Kesteren, Charlotte Leenaers, Hans Oerlemans, Barbara Schilperoort, Dorien ter Veld, Martien Versteegh van Wijk, Nico van der Wel. E ­ DITORIAL ADDRESS Koningskade 40, 2596 AA The Hague, email: editors@vakbladh2o.nl WEB EDITORS Berber Bijma, Jaap Hoeve, Kees Jan van Kesteren, Hans Klip EDITORIAL BOARD René Arninkhof, Matthijs van den Brink, Erwin de Bruin, Henk Dekker, H ­ enriëtte van Ekert, Alice Fermont, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Joost Icke, Warry Meuleman, Johan van Mourik, Jos Peters, Jan Post, Jan Roelsma, Joris Schaap, ­Peter Schipper, ­Marlies Verhoeven, Marie-José van Vondervoort, Jason Sunday DESIGN Ronald Koopmans ­BLADMANAGEMENT Monique Bekkenutte ADVERTISING / MEDIA SALES: Cross Media Netherlands, Bart de Wilde and Nick Konings, Nieuwe Haven 133, 3116 AC Schiedam, 0107421020, e-mail: bart@crossmedianederland.com and ­­nick@crossmedianederland.com PRESS Senefelder Misset, Doetinchem SUBSCRIPTIONS Secretariaat@vakbladh2o.nl

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ROELOF KRUIZE, MEMBER OF THE AIWW MANAGING BOARD:

“ WE WANT TO ENSURE BREAKTHROUGHS WITH COALITIONS” Author Hans Klip Photograpy Marcel Molle

I

INTERVIEW

‘ Four challenges are key: water efficiency, water management, innovation and oversight’

Creating an international community for urban and industrial water solutions: that is the ambition of Amsterdam International Water Week. Roelof Kruize strives to build coalitions of water companies that face similar challenges.

Coalitions that should lead to breakthroughs.

R

oelof Kruize was already very excited about Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW) when H2 O interviewed him two months prior to the event. At one point, the conversation turned toward the future of AIWW, which Kruize views very positively, “I want AIWW to be recognised worldwide as the event for circular and robust water solutions. Despite strong international competition, we’re well on our way.”

As Kruize argues, the Netherlands has all the right ingredients, “Our country is a forerunner in the water sector, Amsterdam is a captivating city to visit and Aquatech is a renowned trade exhibition. Industry high flyers from the water sector look forward to attending it. We aim to welcome fifteen hundred participants to this major conference.”

Amsterdam International Water Week will be held from Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November. This will be the fourth edition of the biennial event. Kruize, a member of the AIWW Managing Board and the Managing Director of Waternet, an Amsterdam-based water cycle company, was present for the birth of the very first edition in 2011. “In addition to the Aquatech trade exhibition, our objective was to set up a platform offering water solutions in high-density areas. We succeeded, developing an engaging two-day conference programme combined with excursions and other related activities.”

What is the purpose of AIWW? “We form a bridge between supply and demand. The starting point is that people come to Amsterdam because it’s rewarding. The other participants can help propel you a step further.

Our comprehensive network is the gold of AIWW. The International Programme Committee counts some 35 prominent figures among its members.”

Who will attend the conference?

“Primarily representatives of cities, water companies, industrial enterprises and research ­institutes. Participants will be coming from across the globe. There are many high-level guests, such as captains of industry from AkzoNobel, Dow Chemical, L’Oréal and Shell, > NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

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‘Our ambition is to form an international community with parties who seek each other out in the interim’

as well as water company CEOs and mayors of major metropolitans like Beijing, Copenhagen, Paris and Warsaw. The mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, holds a speech at the opening of the AIWW on Monday. The Amsterdam alderman Udo Kock speaks at the opening of the conference on Tuesday. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte also attends the AIWW, as well as Gajda from Poland, Masagos of Singapore and Mokonyane of South Africa.”

The title of the conference is “Water...and nine billion people”. Why did you choose this?

“Because the burgeoning world population is decisive for the water sector. By 2050, the ­planet will be home to nine billion people who often will not have obvious access to water.

This ­development will be further exacerbated by urbanisation and climate change. There is a palpable sense of urgency. This is evident from the fact that in 2015, state and government leaders drafted sustainable development goals, including access to clean drinking water and sanitation for all. Public awareness is also growing. During AIWW, four main challenges for cities, water companies and industry are key: water efficiency, water management, innovation and oversight. We’ll connect their challenges to solutions.”

What does the programme look like?

“Unlike two years ago, this time there is no standard programme with multiple lectures. There is a firm focus on practice. Cities, water companies and industry will present specific situations for which they seek a solution. Also, the conference is no longer divided into separate sessions for these three parties. By virtue of an integrated programme, they can talk with and learn from each other.”

‘Our comprehensive network is the gold of AIWW’

You are striving for Amsterdam Agreements. What should we envision?

“Our ambition is to form an international community with parties who seek each other out in the interim. That is what we want to encourage with the Amsterdam Agreements. It’s about forging coalitions between parties that collaborate on research or work on water solutions.

That should generate breakthroughs that the parties can explain at the next AIWW.” Are these coalitions already known?

“No, the senior leaders will have to click during the conference. The three forums for leaders on Tuesday will serve as the breeding grounds for the coalitions. We have some ideas about its direction, because we have a vision of the parties” cases and their solutions. We see various opportunities for matches. It would be great if we could conclude around ten Amsterdam Agreements.”

What kind of coalitions are you imagining?

“I’ll mention two examples involving Waternet. We want to cooperate with PUB, Singapore’s water company. This city-state wants to become independent of neighbouring Malaysia for its water supply, by desalinating seawater and producing drinking water from wastewater. We can learn a lot from Singapore’s experiences. I’m also pursuing a collaboration with Berliner Wasserbetriebe and one or two similar water cycle companies on three themes: a rainproof approach to heavy showers, the removal of micro-pollutants and asset management. Lastly,

INTERVIEW

WHO IS ROELOF KRUIZE? A lifelong relationship with water: that is how you can characterise Roelof Kruize’s (1956) career. It began early because his grandfather was a barge master, and the young Kruize frequently sailed with him. After completing his Environmental Hygiene studies in Wageningen, he became a sewerage technologist in Amsterdam, before advancing into senior positions.

In 2003, he was elected “government manager of the year”. Kruize has been in charge of the water cycle company Waternet since its founding in 2006, which includes the municipality of Amsterdam and the Amstel, Gooi and Vecht Water Board. He is currently active in many international organisations, including the board of the International Water Association.

think about innovations for the sewerage system, such as decentralised sanitation and the use of big data and sensors. “

Water efficiency is indicated as a main challenge. What are you currently targeting?

“The common denominator is financing. The water technology and the capital are generally De Zeeuw der difficult Roest fietsto volgend jaar naar Nepal. zal mijn good, butHelle it’s van quite obtain them both. ”Ik Water is often not considered an economic thuis en gezin moeten loslaten; heel eng, maar ik ga het wel doen.” commodity, even though it’s incredibly important for efficient usage that water be assigned a value. Investors are also scared off by the government’s inconsistent actions with long-term investments.” > NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

‘The senior leaders must have a click during the conference’

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INTERVIEW How are financial institutions dealing with these issues?

“The World Bank, ING, Rabobank and the PGGM pension fund are participating in the conference. Each will come with its own case. These institutions are looking for how they can ­responsibly invest in, from their point of view, their very interesting water infrastructure. How do you avoid big risks, and how do you achieve a reasonable return? What does that require from cities and water companies? Governments have a vital role to play. They can stimulate investment by taking on a portion of the risks themselves. Fast-growing cities in countries like China and India require infusions of cash. We’ll connect these cities with interested investors.”

‘ There is a firm focus on practice’

What other important topics will be covered?

“From the perspective of the circular economy, the recovery of energy and raw materials from water is highly intriguing. A whole host of fantastic examples will be presented. For instance, Mark van Loosdrecht, professor at Delft University of Technology and the winner of the Spinoza Prize, will hold a keynote lecture. His idea is to produce non-combustible plastic from wastewater. One can scarcely imagine it! Several industrial companies will also be in attendance, such as AkzoNobel and Dow Chemical. Another AIWW conference topic: How can cities, water companies and industrial companies cope with drought, heavy rainfall and floods against the background of climate change? The underground buffering of water is a smart measure to combat the urban heat-island effect. The Netherlands has a lot of experience with this, which is enticing to many other countries. Waternet is partnering on a number of projects with Chinese cities.”

One theme of the conference is governance or control. What exactly is happening in this arena?

“Water will be the source of numerous international conflicts this century. You can see that with the huge dam that Ethiopia is building in the Nile, which Egypt opposes. At NATO, they’re wondering, “How do we deal with the risk of major flows of refugees if North Africa continues to dry out?” Such issues will be discussed extensively during the conference. Another intriguing issue is how the water sector will be able to translate the United Nations” sustainable development goals into programmes. Partnerships between public water companies from developed countries and developing countries will prove important. The ten Dutch drinking water companies, with Vitens Evides International as their point of contact, have joined forces in the international programme “WaterWorX”. During the conference, these companies will talk about their experiences, together with their foreign partners. The independent subsidiary Wereld Waternet also has five partnerships that will be explained.”

Additional important developments in governance?

“Many cities want to retain more self-control. They are returning to privatisation of large portions of the drinking and wastewater supply, because tariffs are too high and the quality of service is too low. During the conference, attention will also be paid to new customer concepts, public participation and the impact of social media.”

What more would you like to say about the other components of AIWW? “Aquatech promises to be a success with over nine hundred exhibitors and twenty-five thousand visitors expected. Also, Floodex Europe was supposed to be held for the first time, but it will not proceed. Instead, Floodex will organise a large meeting on flood management during the conference. Finally, I want to call attention to our nine excursions. Among other things, you can travel to the sewerage treatment in Epe that utilises Nereda technology. This is indeed the Dutch invention. I just see the AIWW as an outstanding platform for the water sector. The week will help make the world a little better in the area of water.” |

PROGRAM AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 2017

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INSPIRATION, INSIGHTS, SHOWCASES, SOLUTIONS AND NEW CONNECTIONS NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

The bi-annual event Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW) consists of the AIWW Conference, Aquatech Amsterdam, Floodex Europe Launch event, the Young Water Professionals programme, Sarphati Sanitation Awards, and Excursions to the ‘Living Lab’ the Netherlands.

The focus is on the conclusion of the Amsterdam Agreements, they are the foundation of new partnerships and solutions to waterproblems.

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iStockphoto

Some 25,000 experts from all over the world will join the bi-annual Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW) from 30 October to 3 November in the RAI in Amsterdam.

It is one of the most diverse and innovative water events in Europe. The unique combination of the world-renowned Aquatech Amsterdam Exhibition and the AIWW Conference means that solutions and business connect with ­policy and science to discuss a broad range of subjects. The AIWW will be showcasing the latest solutions and innovations, bringing together leaders and experts, introducing new platforms, tackling real life cases submitted by cities, ­utilities and industries.

AIWW OPENING CEREMONY On Monday 30 October, the Opening Ceremony of the ­Amsterdam International Water Week will form the starting point for an inspirational week buzzing with experts, inspiring cases & solutions, products & techniques, networking opportunities, and much more! The Opening Ceremony gives centre stage to renowned speakers highlighting ­important developments in the field of water, alternating with spectacular entertainment and award-winning innovations.

Committed to speak at the opening of the AIWW are amongst others Ms Laura Tuck, Vice President of the World Bank Group and Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam.

The AIWW Opening Ceremony also forms the b ­ackdrop for the Sarphati Sanitation Awards 2017 for Lifetime ­Achievement in the creation of demand for sanitation and for the Young Entrepreneurs category, and the Aquatech Innovation Awards. The winners of these prizes will be ­announced during the Opening Ceremony.

The AIWW offers an inspiring combination of events: AIWW CONFERENCE The theme of this year’s AIWW Conference is ‘Water... and nine billion people. Creating a circular and resilient water environment in high-density living areas’. By 2050, nine ­billion people are expected to inhabit the planet. Water s­ carcity on

the one hand, and flood-proof cities on the other, will become the main challenges. The Amsterdam I­nternational Water Week Conference 2017 presents a new approach that tackles these challenges head on. Cities, industries and international institutions are called to send their water cases.

These will be matched with the best, brightest and most innovative solutions. The Amsterdam International Water Week aims to bring together all these ingredients to take cases forward.

At AIWW, the aim is a series of ‘Amsterdam Agreements’ where case owners, and experts, suppliers and investors, pledge to continue their work until they reach the goals that they have set. To accelerate the transition to a resilient and circular water cycle we need action. The ‘Amsterdam Agreements’ will support new partnerships and scaling up of new solutions. The ‘Amsterdam Agreements’ are focuses on 1) research, 2) public-private, and 3) public-public partnerships.

For the most recent programme outline, see www.internationalwaterweek.com/programme/ aiww-conference/ AIWW CONFERENCE SPECIAL: THE LEADERS FORUM The AIWW Leaders Forum is about translating shared knowledge into action. Leaders from cities, industries and utilities will bring their water cases and solutions to the table. These are real water issues which will be matched with relevant stakeholders and experts. With the Mix, Meet and Match concept – defining the case, bringing together the high l­ evel community, looking for opportunities to implement, and scale up – the aim is to achieve real breakthroughs.

And to bring it a step further, the global water leaders will not only discuss what the challenges are, but also their interlinkages with climate and thus with energy, food, ­ urbanization and globalization. Bringing together these ­ leaders in thought-provoking sessions, breakthrough solutions, ideas and innovations that can help change both the narrative and reality of water risks will be brought forward.

PROGRAM

AIWW will facilitate next steps to make the Leaders Forum ideas a reality. The Leaders Forum creates an inspiring environment inviting global water leaders to make action orientated commitments that contribute to a circular and resilient water environment in high-density living area. ­Creating a long term vision and building upon the results of the AIWW 2015 Leaders Forum. www.internationalwaterweek.com/programme/ aiww-conference/ AQUATECH AMSTERDAM Aquatech Amsterdam is the world’s leading trade exhibition for process, drinking and waste water. Meet face-to-face with 21,000 visitors from over 140 different nationalities, and with 900 exhibitors at Aquatech Amsterdam 2017. Experience the latest solutions for today’s challenges with all the experts in the field. During four action-packed days, you will discover the latest trends, ­ make profitable business relationships, exchange ideas and enhance know-how. Innovation takes centre stage with, for example, the Aquatech Innovation Award and the Innovation Avenue. www.aquatechtrade.com/amsterdam FLOODEX EUROPE LAUNCH EVENT On Tuesday 31 October, as part of the Amsterdam Interna­ tional Water Week and collocated with Aquatech ­Amsterdam, RAI Amsterdam organises an event focusing on flood ­defense, water level management, prevention, mitigation and drainage. The launch event is freely accessible and will take place in the Europa Foyer of RAI Amsterdam. www.floodexworld.com YOUNG WATER PROFESSIONALS (YWP) PROGRAMME Inspiration from the next generation. That’s what the Young Water Professionals programme is all about. A special programme, organised by and for young water professionals, includes workshops, debates and many more activities to help young professionals build a network and gain new skills and knowledge. Does this trigger your curiosity? Go to www.young-iww.com for more information. As part of the YWP programme, the innovation-provoking Wetskills competition will also take place during the Amsterdam International Water Week.

NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

SARPHATI SANITATION AWARDS This year the Sarphati Sanitation Awards will be handed out for the third time during the Amsterdam International Water Week Opening Ceremony on 30 October. The ­biennial ­Sarphati Sanitation Awards (SSA) honours outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations to the global ­sanitation and public health challenge through entrepreneurship. These Awards are inspired by Dr. Samuel S ­ arphati, a doctor who contributed to the cholera free status of the City of Amsterdam as far back as the end of the nineteenth century. Meet the prize winners of 2017 at AIWW. www.internationalwaterweek.com/programme/ sarphati-sanitation-awards-2017/ EXCURSIONS TO THE ‘LIVING LAB’ THE NETHERLANDS Experience the Dutch delta as a ‘living lab’ for integrated solutions towards a circular economy and resilient cities.

Complete your visit to the AIWW 2017 by joining one or more excursions. More information can be found online www.internationalwaterweek.com/programme/ excursions/ SIDE EVENTS are an added bonus to the AIWW ­Conference programme, extending the exchange of knowledge and inspiration even further. Many organisations seize the opportunity to host their event during the Amsterdam International Water Week, thus offering their participants the opportunity to mingle with 25,000 water professionals. The AIWW is hosting several side events on Monday 30 October, and Thursday 2 and Friday 3 November. www.internationalwaterweek.com/programme/ side-events/ PUBLIC EVENT DESIGNATHON During the Amsterdam International Water Week, a s­ pecial Amsterdam Water Designathon edition will take place on the 29 October for children between the age of 7 and 11.

This special edition is the prelude to the global Designathon Works event, a unique design thinking method developed for children to empower and unleash their creativity to design a better world using new technologies. Their out-of-the-box thinking will be an inspiration for water professionals and communities all over the world.

For up-to-date information, have look on the AIWW website www.internationalwaterweek.com.

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FLOODEX EUROPE FOCUSES ON CROSSBORDER COLLABORATIONS

Author Hans Klip

During Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW), 31 October will see the launch of Floodex Europe, a new knowledge event that will focus on international cooperation to tackle flooding.

T

his is a first for the European continent, after two previous Floodex trade events in Britain. Floodex Europe will spotlight the mitigation and preven­ tion of floods associated with heavy rainfall and climate change. The central theme of the AIWW launch event is cross-border cooperation, explains Marieke Leenhouts, Aquatech’s Exhibition Manager, who is also responsible for Floodex Europe: “The approach will be: Which challenges does the international community face?”

give lectures on aspects of international cooperation, and the Dutch Water Authorities Association (Unie van Waterschappen) is also invited to speak. Visitors should be sure to catch the panel discussion.

In addition, several other activities have been organised. In the morning, participants can delve into flood solutions on the exhibition floor of Aquatech and, in the afternoon, join a bus tour of the water system in and around Amsterdam.

POLICY AND PRACTICE According to Leenhouts, flood control is a highly relevant topic for some AIWW conference attendees, “But other interested parties are also welcome. You can attend Floodex for free.” Leenhouts is expecting between a hundred to one hundred and fifty policymakers and practitioners to show up. She goes on to say, “They include the Netherlands water boards and their international equivalents and companies providing solutions and technologies. For example, twenty people from the British Association of Drainage Authorities will be present.”

Originally, a separate trade exhibition was to be held in ­addition to Aquatech. That idea has since been abandoned.

According to Leenhouts, “There was a great deal of interest, but we were just barely too late for several companies that we wanted to participate as exhibitors. The decision for the new concept was made after consulting with the parties who had already committed to Floodex.”

ALL-DAY AFFAIR Participants will be offered a day-long programme on ­Tuesday 31 October. In the afternoon, the AIWW Conference will host a knowledge session. Experts from the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and the European Union of Water Management Associations will

There will also be the requisite networking opportunities.

Leenhouts remarks, “One nice aspect is that you can make a one-on-one match with a provider or a visitor. This will be facilitated through the Aquatech app.”

Leenhouts views the launch event of Floodex Europe as the prelude of a bigger event scheduled for the AIWW in 2019. In reference to that later event, she says, “Then we’ll strive for a trade exhibition and even more knowledge exchange. We’ll also look at whether it”s possible to introduce Floodex at other Aquatech trade exhibitions, particularly in China and Mexico.”

For more information, visit: www.floodexeurope.com

TRADE FAIR

A RECORD-BREAKER ON ALL FRONTS A comprehensive content program, new pavilions and attention to trending topics such as circular economy bring more interest than ever.

W

ith the latest edition of global water exhibition Aquatech Amsterdam set to open its doors end of October, a suite of new and expanded ­features in the industry-leading programme have helped put the show on track to be a record-breaker. Exhibitor numbers have already passed the 900 mark, the highest ever for the event. Advance visitor registrations, the trade show area, and the number of entrants to the prestigious Aquatech Innovation Awards are all at record levels, putting the show on course to be the most successful yet.

The 2017 edition of the show will include an even greater focus on innovation, and the expanded programme will highlight the latest developments in watertechnology as well as other key segments such as desalination and smart water networks.

INNOVATION AWARD 2017 A line-up of fourteen innovative technologies, most of them world firsts, has been selected by an expert jury from a record number of entries to this year’s Aquatech Innovation Award to be put forward as contenders for the overall title, the winner of which will be revealed at the opening ceremony of the Amsterdam International Water Week and the Aquatech Amsterdam exhibition on 30 October.

“This year we had 78 entries, the highest number ever,” comments jury chairman ­Professor Cees Buisman, Scientific Director of Wetsus, European centre of ­excellence for sustainable water technology in Leeuwarden. “Aquatech Amsterdam itself is ­growing, and it is fantastic to see the Awards growing with it,” he adds.

“The jury needed a lot of discussion this year to make the selection as the top 20 per cent of entries were really strong,” says Buisman.

The nominees have been chosen from entries representing increasingly diverse technologies. “The water technology field normally focuses on areas such as biology and chemistry,” says Buisman. “One entrant uses space technology to look for water ­leakage on Earth – that surprised us in the jury. We saw more entries reflecting the whole trend of big data and computerisation, which is entering the sector slowly but surely,” he adds.

He notes also a trend towards reducing chemical use in wastewater treatment in ­order to achieve more sustainable solutions.

NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

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NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

DMT ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY TurboTec® Compared to conventional systems, TurboTec® offers a significant smaller footprint and lower operational costs. The TurboTec®THP process treats organic material at a standard pressure of 4 – 6 bar and a temperature of 140 – 160 °C. This ensures hygenisation of the biomass cake. Pre-thickening by belt presses of the biomass to 10 – 12% TS minimizes polymer use. Hydrolysis of waste activated sludge results in up to 35% more biogas in the digester, while the improved final ­dewatering more than 30% TS can be achieved. By using Turbo Tec®THP the capacity of existing digesters can be increased or smaller digester can be installed for new treatment plants.

STAND NO. 07.520R

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Entrance Entrance

SEGMENTS n Transport and Storage /

Water Treatment n Process Control & Process Automation n UV Treatment / Desalination pavilion n Point of Use n Water Treatment

n Balcony

Water Treatment / Point Of Use

n Europa Foyer

Smart Water Network Pavilion

FLOOR PLAN Segments on Floor Plan Segments Floorwater Plantreatment Wateron & waste Point Waterof& use waste water treatment Transport & Storage Point of use Process control technology Transport & Storage & proces automation

Process control technology Brand Zone & proces automation Brand Zone

Pavilions

Pavilions Ace Pavilion Bayern Pavilion Ace Pavilion Bluetech Research Bayern Pavilion Innovation Pavilion Bluetech Research British Pavilion Innovation Pavilion China Pavilion British Pavilion Danish Pavilion China Pavilion Desalination Pavilion Danish Pavilion Japan Hiroshima Pavilion Desalination Pavilion Netherlands Water Pavilion Japan Hiroshima Pavilion

Pipefitting Championships

Young Water Professionals

InnovationLAB

Pipefitting Championships Innovation Avenue

Innovation Avenue

Innovation Avenue

Innovation Avenue

Innovation Avenue

Innovation Avenue

InnovationLAB

Innovation Avenue

Stairs to R-rooms

Young Water Professionals

Stairs to R-rooms

Innovation Avenue

Industrial User Experience

Pump & Proces Plaza Netherlands Water Pavilion Sachsen PavilionPlaza Pump & Proces

Industrial User Experience

Scottish SachsenPavilion Pavilion Smart Water Networks Pavilion Scottish Pavilion Swiss Smart Pavilion Water Networks Pavilion Taiwan Pavilion Swiss Pavilion WEF Pavilion Taiwan Pavilion WQA Pavilion WEF Pavilion

@ GRUPPE

WQA Pavilion

@ GRUPPE

AquaStage

ELEVATOR

AquaStage

FIRST AID ELEVATOR CATERING POINT FIRST AID WARDROBE

€

CATERING POINT CASH POINT

€

CASH POINT DISABLED TOILET

GRUPPE

WARDROBE TOILET

GRUPPE

TOILET INFORMATION DESK

P @

DISABLED TOILET ENTRANCE PARKING GARAGE

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ENTRANCE PARKING GARAGE SCHIPHOL DESK

INFORMATION DESK INTERNET CAFÉ

INTERNET CAFÉ SCHIPHOL DESK

Conference in G-rooms (1st floor) Conference in G-rooms (1st floor)

AquaMatch Floodex Europe Launch event AquaMatch Floodex Europe Launch event

DOC Challenge Floodex Europe Launch Event DOC Challenge Floodex Europe Launch Event

AquaConnect

AquaConnect

Circular Economy Expo Circular Economy Expo

GRUPPE GRUPPE

Aquatech Rebook Office

Stairs to D-rooms Stairs to D-rooms

Escalator to AIWW congress

Aquatech Rebook Office

Escalator to AIWW congress

Entrance Entrance

Press Room (1st floor)

Hall 1 Balcony

L-rooms (1st floor)

Hall 1 Balcony

Entrance

Organisers Office (1st floor) Taxistop

Taxistop

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Escalator to L-rooms (1st floor)

Entrance Escalator to

Organisers Office Press Room (1st(1st floor) floor)

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JOHN BATTEN ON URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

‘WE’VE SEEN A MASSIVE GROWTH IN THE RESILIENCE MOVEMENT’ Interview Bert Westenbrink | Photo iStockphoto

‘Water… and nine billion people’ is the subject of the upcoming Amsterdam International Water Week. Population growth and climate change confront ­experts with complex challenges. John Batten, Global Director of Water at ­Arcadis US, is the moderator of the AIWW session ‘Resilient cities & utilities and climate change adaptation’.

John Batten

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he session introduction is as follows: “The variety in measures for resiliency is huge: it focusses on increasingly extreme rainfall and, at the same time, extreme droughts globally. To cope with this, cities need to adapt to climate change with infrastructure transitions, and an important focus needs to be on critical delta areas globally.”

H2O asked John Batten for the big challenges.

For an article on Arcadis.com, you wrote: “Population growth, urbanisation and climate c­ hange, among other factors, make water management one of the most significant challenges facing societies today.” Cities worldwide are growing fast; the climate changes create rapidly extreme weather conditions (e.g. heavy rainfall and drought), are cities able to cope with these ­challenges?

“Cities can cope with these challenges. However, it requires strong commitment from city leaders, and the best solutions often come through collaboration with other cities to seek best practices. The private sector, as much as possible, needs to be at the table to create

I win-win solutions. The bottom line is cities need to do a better job of becoming more permeable and to rethink storm water as a resource rather than a nuisance. This would include opportunities to attenuate rainfall for irrigation and city cooling opportunities.”

In an interview with Aquatech magazine, you said: “There is a resilience movement in progress.” And further: “The momentum is growing, especially in northern Europe (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, London, Bristol, Copenhagen and Vejle).” How are cities in other parts of the world doing?

“We’ve seen a massive growth in the resilience movement in the past year and a half to two years around the world.

Programmes and foundations, such as 100 Resilient Cities pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation and Cities ­Climate Leadership Group (C40), are able to bring in many cities to the resilience discussion and help them partner with the organisation, their partners, consultants, investors and ­ more to truly implement resilience solutions. A good example of this is in Miami where Miami-Dade County and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach — collectively as Greater Miami and the Beaches — have joined the final cohort in 100 Resilient Cities. Their collective group is working at a much higher level of discussion and preparation definitions for the area from sea level rise and damaging storm surge.”

Though, there are still fundamental barriers, such as a lack of political will or economic resources. What are the causes of these problems?

“The political reality is that many cities wait for a disaster to occur to galvanise political and economic resources, which is unfortunate. This barrier is best summarised as we’re built more around reactive mitigation than proactive adaptation. Resources sit in emergency response rather than ­climate-proofing cities of the future. However, those that don’t step up, will lose out on not only a competitive advantage with and through water, but will also ­potentially hurt their NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

INTERVIEW

economy and ultimately quality of life of their r­ esidents.”

In the foreword of the Sustainable Cities Water Index, you ­wrote: “Cities which carefully and creatively use their water assets for strategic urban advantage will ultimately be more livable, safe and competitive. Cities that are truly distinguished by a thriving relationship with their waterscape can make a huge contribution to the quality of life of their residents and attract tourism and investment.” So, good urban water ­management is more than concern about the security of drinking water and preventing extreme flooding?

“Yes, it absolutely is! Good urban water management is important in the day-to-day practices of a city and not just in extreme shocks or stresses. The more proactive an initiative (versus reactive), the more it tends to benefit holistically the life in a city. Singapore is a good example of this; they have a determination to ‘close the loop’ and capture and reuse a hundred per cent of their water. Around two thirds of the land in Singapore is used as water catchment. They have three key strategies: providing adequate drainage ahead of new developments, implementing flood protection measures and continual drainage improvement.”

In a recent study by the European Union published in The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers estimate that the number of victims due to extremely high or low temperatures, storms, forest fires and floods may be fifty times higher in the year 2100 than in the period 1981 to 2010. The causes? Climate change, population growth and urbanisation. A shortcoming of this European study is that the research failed to take into account technological developments. Should we rely on these technological developments?

“We can’t purely rely on them, but they’re important and something we should recognise and need to invest in. ­ However, technological and digital developments won’t ­ ­solve some of our more challenging problems such as political will or funding.” |

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High water level in the Seine in Paris

FEATURE

CITIES WORLDWIDE ARE FACING MAJOR CHALLENGES DUE TO WEATHER EXTREMES One of the AIWW conference topics is: How can cities, water companies and industrial companies cope with drought, heavy rainfall and floods against the background of climate change? In other words, ­cities worldwide are facing major challenges due to weather extremes. What are the problems and solutions?

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ith more than three decades of experience in his field, John Batten, Global Director of Cities at the global design & consultancy firm Arcadis in New York, has a wealth of experience at his fingertips in managing drinking water, wastewater utilities, industrial ­ water, water quality and public health.

On request, he gives some examples of cities that, in his opinion, face major and specific challenges when it comes to urban water management. To be more specific, which problems are cities coping with and what are their plans of approach? >

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NEW YORK CITY faces unique but at the same time relatable water challenges. As the city is vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surge and the impacts of climate change, it must find a way to protect its citizens and its $1.5 trillion economy (as evidenced in Superstorm Sandy). New York is currently one of the most proactive cities for resilience, with an entire resiliency office established under Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Chief Resilience Officer and many ongoing projects.

The East Side Coastal Resiliency project, the first phase of the Big U, will protect around 200,000 citizens with multi-functional flood defences, like parks and recreational spaces.

The design concept is placemaking and creating a d ­ estination for residents, such as a parkbased promenade with critical infrastructure underneath to fortify the city against storm surge and sea level rise. It’s a trifecta — New York City is creating a recreational space, an economic development zone and protection from flood events — all in the name of resilience. It touches upon three elements of resilience: the economy, futureproofing, and social benefits.

The SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA is susceptible to sea level rise, especially during King Tide events. Given that the prime development areas are coastal, development must be contem­ poraneous with resilience solutions. In addition, the city has many low-lying areas such as Mission Creek, a popular and rapidly developing area of the city. It has seven comprehensive plans to improve resilience and expand public amenities in the precinct.

To better deal with storm water, the city also has a Storm water Management Ordinance, which requires the use of green infrastructure for storm water management to secure, in many cases, permitting for building.

LOS ANGELES, unlike some other cities I’ve mentioned, has significant water supply challenges rather than issues with flooding. Much of the water for Los Angeles is imported from two sources, the Sacramento Bay Delta and the Colorado River — both of which are hundreds of miles away, as well as are susceptible to seismic disruption that leaves the city vulnerable to shortages and outages.

Mayor Garcetti has initiated a One Water Ordinance that aims to reduce the city’s purchasing of imported water by 50 per cent by 2025 and to produce more local sources. One of which is San Fernando’s impaired ­aquifer, which is being restored to serve as drinking water supply. ­Another source entails capturing (scalping) wastewater flows for the treatment plant and treating them locally in reclaimed water package plants. This approach prevents the water from being discharged into the Pacific Ocean and utilised in city precincts for irrigation and other reclaimed water uses.

FEATURE

DOHA too has water supply challenges, due mostly to its rapid growth and geographical location as a desert city in a peninsular country. It sources water from the Persian Gulf that requires 100 per cent desalination — which presents a unique production and distribution challenge.

A highly exceptional project currently under construction in Doha is a mega storage ­solution.

Linked mega reservoirs will increase the safe water yield in the system from just under two days, as it stands currently, to between seven to thirty days of supply with conservation.

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HONG KONG, one of the world’s mega cities, is facing a unique situation with demand for water possibly outstripping supply as the city is dependent on water imports from mainland China.

They are currently exploring desalination on the island as a tool to diversify their water supply as well as deepening their reservoirs and installing subterranean reservoirs.

The Water Supplies Department is installing a desalination plant with plans to expand to meet 5-10 per cent of Hong Kong’s freshwater demand1.

Hong Kong’s water tariff structure is not adequately structured to incentivise demand management, which is an area the city should consider.

Of course, Hong Kong too faces storm water management and sea level rise challenges, to which it is also responding with design solutions and by expanding green areas. Hong Kong receives amber and black heavy rain warnings, but the city does not currently have the right plumbing to be able to capture that rainfall.

1) http://www.hk2030plus.hk/document/ Hong%20Kong%202030+%20A%20SGR%20 City%20Strategy_Eng.pdf

PARIS experienced a centennial flood event in 2016, the worst recorded since 1910. The flooding was primarily attributed to intense rainfall and an outdated riverine flood protection infrastructure.

The city’s resilience plan, developed as a part of the 100 Resilient Cities network, has an entire programme devoted to the Siene River, which includes flood protection, water scarcity and water quality improvements.

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iStockphoto

THOMAS VAN GILST OF THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK:

‘THERE IS SUFFICIENT MONEY AVAILABLE, BUT TOO FEW SUITABLE PROJECTS’ Author Kees Jan van Kesteren

Thomas van Gilst

To keep European drinking water clean and to continue processing its wastewater will necessitate many billions of euros in the coming years. On top of this, add investments to tackle the expected effects of climate change. That money has to come from somewhere.

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he European Investment Bank, or EIB, is one of the world’s largest financiers of the water field. In recent years, the EIB, headquartered in Luxembourg, has ­invested some four billion euros annually in water projects. Ninety per cent of these are European Union-based. Dutchman Thomas van Gilst heads the Water Project Division, a part of the EIB’s Project Directorate. As van Gilst notes, “The bank is a public institution. We do not have a profit motive, rather we aim to finance projects to support the European Union’s policy objectives.”

Climate change and water management alike are high on the agenda for Europe. Every year, the EIB grants approximately thirty-five loans for water projects, providing an average ­hundred million euros per project. However, there is scope for more. “And yet, every year, we turn down around ten projects. These entail applications for which, at a very early stage, it becomes clear they are not properly justified or prepared.”

INSUFFICIENT (QUALITY) PROJECT PROPOSALS Therefore, the EIB rarely decides not to fund water projects due to inadequate financial resources. What’s more, the bank, and by extension, the Water Project Division, sets strict targets for how much they want to invest to either combat climate change or to soften its effects. The targets are based on the European Union’s climate objectives and are approved by the Member States and the European Commission, the shareholders of the bank.

“While the targets enjoy widespread support”, says van Gilst, “we still struggle to meet them.”

Not enough quality projects are submitted, even though the water sector can play a major role in achieving climate objectives, and, in line with this, the bank’s targets. “By ­drawing upon the expertise of water specialists, we can strengthen projects, thereby increasing the number of projects.”

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FEATURE

‘ It’s difficult for start-ups to qualify for loans’

Van Gilst also knows that measuring climate contribution — especially climate change, is no easy task. No u ­ niversal methodology exists for this measurement. He believes the Netherlands is progressive on the issue of climate, ­especially its government and water boards. “However you measure it, water boards in particular make major contributions to climate change. We would be quite happy to receive more projects like these!”

To bolster the suitability of the submissions, the EIB involves project proposal applicants in the planning phase. Both outside Europe, where the need is greatest, but also within the EU, the EIB can finance feasibility studies or environmental impact reports, for example. “Within Europe, some customers are experiencing capacity problems or are facing a lack of experience. Smaller municipalities or water authorities do not have the in-house expertise to develop large projects. It is, of course, important for Europe as a whole that the water authorities also have that in order.”

BROAD MEASURING STICK The water projects submitted are assessed not only on their financial and technical merits, but also against a broader measuring stick to determine their societal impact. “We ­review not only the financial feasibility of a project, but also its economic costs and how it benefits society as a whole.

With that, we, as a public institution, usually distinguish ourselves from private institutions that place profit goals first.”

The roughly thirty-five water projects funded annually by the EIB are divided between drinking and wastewater projects and, to a lesser extent, flood prevention measures. “Over the past decade, we have seen a rise in investment in wastewater treatment in order to meet the increasingly stringent standards. However, the need remains for Europe to invest in renovating and replacing our basic facilities. We do not have a preference for one topic, they all have priority.”

WATER SECURITY And that is not likely to change in the nearby future. The EIB has announced that it will update its own water sector NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

strategy later this year. Water security will be the central theme. It was a conscious decision to make this theme so wide-ranging, explains van Gilst, “As EIB, we want to remain a driving force of socially important investments throughout the water spectrum.”

In addition to ‘climate projects’, the EIB is also looking for ways to promote innovation in the water sector and to invest in the industrial sector. “Larger technology companies do not face a lot of barriers, but it’s a different story for s­ maller start-ups. The water sector, by necessity, is conservative and fragmented. Therefore, start-ups can scarcely generate volume quickly enough to finance their development costs and growth, so it’s difficult for them to qualify for loans.”

The EIB tries to support innovation in various ways, such as participating in funds and reaching out to the industrial sector. “We want the European water sector to retain its leading role. That requires innovations. Commercially the industry stands to benefit substantially from advanced solutions for their industrial water management and thus to function as a spark for European innovation solutions.” |

NEVER MORE THAN FIFTY PER CENT FINANCING The money that the European Investment Bank loans out does not come from European taxpayers. The EIB borrows the money on the capital market by issuing bonds. Thanks to its AAA credit rating, the bank can do that cheaply. ­However, the EIB cannot count on the same ­enthusiasm everywhere for its investments. For example, in its ­recently published half-yearly report, the Dutch Municipal Bank (Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten, BNG) accused the EIB of market-distorting behaviour. Van Gilst says that, given that it is a public institution, the EIB never finances more than fifty per cent of a project. “We do this to attract the private sector or, in any event, to avoid competing unfairly. Put another way, we insist that institutions who borrow from us also have other project financiers. Not all public institutions limit themselves like this.”

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE JORG SIMON OF BERLINER WASSERBETRIEBE:

‘ WE CAN REALLY LEARN SOMETHING FROM AMSTERDAM RAINPROOF’ Author Kees Jan van Kesteren Photography Karin Koppers

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INTERVIEW

‘ We have certainly earned our status as an energy-conscious company in recent years’ Berliner Wasserbetriebe is the largest water company in Western Europe. The city council has put it in charge of transforming Berlin into an energy-neutral city. Chief executive Jörg Simon will talk about this at the International Water Week in Amsterdam. He welcomed H2O to his office with a view of the Spree and gave us a foretaste.

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very story about the Berlin starts in the past. That also applies to the story of water. It couldn’t be any different in a city where the traces of 20th century have been more visible and tangible than anywhere else. Following the fall of the ­Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany a year later, the water companies for East and West Berlin were merged. This meant not only overcoming cultural differences, but also establishing economic and technical links. “It made a big impression on our company,” says Jörg Simon, CEO of Berliner Wasserbetriebe.

The Berlin water company is the largest water company in Western Europe. It not only produces and supplies the drinking water for the German capital, but also disposes of rainwater and collect and treats the waste water. It is also entering the energy market through its sister company, Berliner Stadtwerke, which was established in 2014. The new Berlin city council is providing one hundred million euro for this.

This means that the water company is emphatically engaged with the challenge for the ­future, the Energiewende, whilst it has only just dealt with the consequences of Die Wende in 1989. Following the merger, Berliner Wasserbetriebe had too many employees, took over the management of poorly maintained East Berlin water pipes and water treatment plants, and saw water consumption in the city fall by forty percent, partly because a great deal of industry disappeared from the eastern part of the city. “But particularly because East Berliners suddenly had to start paying for their water. As a result, they were much more sparing with their water use. That caused problems. The pipe network for both drinking water and waste water had become far too large,” explains Simon.

Between 1993 and 1997 Berliner Wasserbetriebe invested up to seven hundred million euro per year to raise the urban water system to the required level. The city of Berlin was already struggling with major debts, and that was an important reason for part-privatising the water company in 1999. Berlin sold 49.9 percent of the shares to the energy companies RWE and Veolia, earning €1.7 billion in return.

That privatisation was not popular with the residents of Berlin, particularly not when water prices went up. In a referendum in 2011 98% of the residents voted for a buyback, which >

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‘The decentralised supply of energy is key in order for the Energiewende to succeed’ took place in 2013. Jörg Simon, who took over the management of Berliner Wasserbetriebe from Veolia in 1999, does not feel that the sale and buy-back process was a waste of time. “The city saw an opportunity to earn money through the sale. The water company thereby needed an ­operational boost, and the external parties provided access to fresh expertise.”

Something similar is now happening in the energy market.

Berlin - run by a coalition of Social Democrats, The Greens and Socialists - wants to bring the electricity and gas network which was privatised in the 1990s back under municipal control, with the aim of supplying energy more cheaply and sustainably. That decision is leading to some legal ­action, because the current operators of the electricity and gas network are resisting the takeover. But Berlin is also adopting a second approach to make the energy m ­ arket more sustainable. The previous city council had already decided to set up its own energy company, Berliner ­Stadtwerke.

This full subsidiary of Berliner Wasserbetriebe was ­initially given modest goals, but the current coalition wants to develop the energy company to be a stimulating factor in the transition to a climate-neutral city by 2030. Simon is not surprised that the city placed its own energy company with Berliner Wasserbetriebe. “Through us, the city can ­exercise control itself in the energy market. There is little or no ­possibility of doing that with commercial partners. ­Depending on the outcome of the legal actions about the ­ownership and management ­­ of the gas and electricity networks, the politicians will also have to decide whether Stadtwerke remains under us or continues in a different form.”

ENERGY-CONSCIOUS BUSINESS Simon can offer another reason why Berliner Wasserbetriebe is being given the opportunity to stimulate Berlin’s Energiewende. “We have certainly earned our status as an energy-conscious company in recent years.” Although the Berlin water company uses as much energy as a city of around 280,000 inhabitants every year, it generates a substantial part of the required energy itself in the water ­treatment plants. “seventy percent of the power used in our water treatment plants is sustainable energy that we generate ourselves with wind turbines and by converting sludge to biogas. We are working hard to be energy efficient, and we’re striving to be self-sufficient as soon as possible.”

Berliner Wasserbetriebe has reduced its carbon emissions

from 300,000 tonnes to 125,000 tonnes since 1990. It has been agreed with the city council that the water company will reduce its carbon emissions by 14,000 tonnes a year up to 2025. “In the years after 1990 we were able to make big leaps because the city needed less water. You have to ­acknowledge that. Now we will have to make a lot of small steps in order to achieve savings. For example, we’re investing in electric cars for our fleet and examine whether we can pool vehicles with other city services.”

Simon is not personally involved with the day-to-day ­ma­nagement of the Berliner Stadtwerke energy c­ ompany, but he is responsible for the strategy. He believes the energy company can become an important player in the energy transition by developing and stimulating decentralised ­initiatives. “It’s easy in rural areas. There are lots of wind turbines in Bavaria and Saxony, and everyone has a solar panel on their roof. It’s all much trickier in an urban environment, although there is an enormous benefit to be achieved by generating energy within the city itself.”

DECENTRALISED ENERGY SUPPLY That’s why Stadtwerke wants to conclude contracts with the six large Berlin housing associations - which jointly own some 400,000 homes - to install solar panels and build nieghbourhood heating plants. “Obviously central planning is necessary, but as far as I’m concerned a decentralised energy supply - for example through the housing association - is the key to success for the Energiewende. The city council has promised us one hundred million euro over the coming years in order to achieve those ambitions. The political will is there, but politicians and government bodies cannot do it on their own. We will have to do it in partnership with architects and contractors.”

The production and supply of drinking water and the processing of waste water remain the core tasks of every water company, says Simon. Berlin is dependent on two slow-­flowing rivers, the Spree and the Havel, for its drinking water. “The Spree only has a flow of 10 m³ of water per second at times. In Cologne a hundred times as much water flows along the Rhine.”

The city of Berlin is experiencing a rapidly growing population, and the Spree river is threatened by low water levels at regular intervals. Will this endanger the future supply of drinking water in the German metropolis? Simon does not

INTERVIEW WHO IS JÖRG SIMON? Jörg Simon (55) has been CEO of Berliner Wasserbetriebe since 1999. His term as Vorstandsvorsitzende runs until 2021. Before moving to Berlin, he was Germany director at Veolia Wasser and director of the Oewa water company in Leipzig.

He studied mechanical engineering and business studies at Aachen Technical University. Simon is married and has three daughters.

‘ By 2024 we will have 390,000 cubic metres worth of water reservoirs’

anticipate any problems. “We’re currently working on forecasts up to 2070, but the prospects are good in both qualitative and quantitative terms.”

In order to continue to guarantee the quality of drinking water, Berliner Wasserbetriebe has implemented a 2.1 billion euro investment programme which runs until 2021. The company is investing in both drinking water and waste water treatment plants. “There are a lot of (former) mines south of Berlin. We see the effects of those reflected in the water.

Sulphate-containing water flows into the Spree from those areas. But we’re keeping the drinking water clean. We’re well below all the critical values. We are investing in order to maintain that, and in order to comply with the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), such as with regard to phosphates.”

WATER RESERVOIRS The centre of Berlin contains almost 2.000 kilometres of mixed sewers. It is unable to process all the water during extreme rainfall, resulting in flooding. That happened in June, when Berlin was hit by a serious downpour. Simon: “We are investing part of the 2.1 billion euro in storing rainwater. By 2024 we will have 390,000 cubic metres worth of water reservoirs.” That storage capacity is not enough for extraordinary rainfall, such as in June. “But extreme ­weather conditions like at the end of June occur once every hundred years on average. It’s not a sensible investment in economic and technical terms to construct water reservoirs NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

that could cope with that.”

Simon is expecting more decentralised solutions in the battle against extreme rainfall. “If the sewers cannot handle the water any more, why not direct it to football pitches or parks? That leads to temporary disruption, but it’s fit for playing a match again a week later.”

Simon also likes to look abroad for answers to climate, water and energy issues. The Amsterdam water c­ ompany Waternet recently visited. Berliner Wasserbetriebe and ­Waternet are now looking at formalising their collaboration.

“Water companies are by definition not in competition with one another, and we all face the same challenges. So if I can use an idea from Amsterdam for Berlin, I will. Take the Amsterdam project Rainproof, where public bodies, knowledge institutions, residents and companies are working together to find solutions. We can really learn something from that.” |

LECTURE AT AIWW Jorg Simon is a member of the programme committee of the Amsterdam International Water Week Conference which will take place during the AIWW on Tuesday 31 October and Wednesday 1 November. During the conference Simon will give a lecture about water management in Berlin. More info at: www.internationalwaterweek.com

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An exceptional rainstorm hit Copenhagen on 2 July 2011. The city was found to be unable to cope with 135 millimetres of rain in two hours. The bill for the damage ran into hundreds of millions of euros. What will happen to Amsterdam if such a mega-downpour were to occur? Daniel Goedbloed of Amsterdam Rainproof explains. ‘The water is up to the façades on Rokin‘

A MEGA-DOWNPOUR IN AMSTERDAM Author Nico van der Wel | Photo iStockphoto

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hat would happen if such a mega-downpour were to hit Amsterdam, say 120 millimetres in two hours?

“The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) will have d ­ eclared a ‘code red’ in such a situation, so you start making preparations. A special homepage will appear on the website of Waternet and Amsterdam ­Rainproof with a warning and an opportunity to submit a report, and warnings will also be issued via social media. Waternet will also give the drains an extra clean in vulnerable areas, so that storage and drainage are as effective as possible The fire service will be on standby to pump out cellars, tunnels and subways.

During the downpour people will be calling and tweeting and submitting reports via the website en masse, so you need to scale up the communications. It’s very important to have as clear a picture as possible of what’s going on.”

Daniel Goedbloed (Amsterdam Rainproof)

Can the city cope with that much water?

“The sewers can handle 20 to 25 millimetres of water an hour, so there will be water on the streets everywhere. Tunnels, cellars, undercrofts and courtyards will be flooded. In the Jordaan district the water in the streets between the canals and in the courtyards will be up to a depth of tens of centimetres. But there will also be problems on the A5 motorway in Amsterdam-West, for example.

Something will fail here and there. For example, a pump might break down in the Coen Tunnel. Then the whole ring road will seize up. If the rain falls in the autumn, the drains will become blocked with leaves and there will be a lot more water on the streets. If it falls ­during the morning rush hour, traffic gridlock will occur, and people will be stuck in their car for hours. Trains will probably stop running, and Schiphol Airport will also struggle. Water could enter the metro and damage the power supply and the communication cables, and that will stop the metro from running. Trams won’t be running either, because they break down when there’s a lot of water on the streets. Nor should you take the car during the rainstorm.

It causes waves which can enter the houses and cause damage, and if you drive into deep water the engine will stop.”

Will there be a power blackout?

“Some substations are in low-lying locations. They’re vulnerable to water damage, and that could cause the power to fail in part of the city. Luckily a lot of institutions and mobile phone transmitters have emergency power supplies. It all worked well during the downpour on 28 July 2014.”

What happens when it stops raining?

“Most of the water will have gone after a couple of hours: into the sewers, into the canals.

The surface water in Amsterdam can handle 120 millimetres of water - no canals are going to overflow, and the Amstel and the IJ won’t break their banks either. In addition, three-quarters of the city has a separated sewer system that drains freely into the surface water. > NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

‘ In the city centre a lot of rainwater drains into the canals of its own accord, although water will continue to lap against the façades on Rokin’

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INTERVIEW ‘ By 2050 Amsterdam must in principle be able to absorb a torrential downpour like a sponge’ The city centre and the pre-war districts have c­ombined sewers. In the city centre a lot of rainwater drains into the canals of its own accord, although water will continue to lap against the façades on Rokin. There are also polders in ­Amsterdam, such as the Osdorperpolders in Amsterdam West, but those districts are very green, as a result of which the water disruption there will probably be lessened. Examples of real weak spots are De Pijp and the Rivierenbuurt district and the area around the Concertgebouw.”

“After the rainstorm the fire service will have to spend couple of days pumping away water in many hundreds of locations. Once the city is dry again, damaged infrastructure, houses and buildings needs to be repaired. All in all, that will take months and the costs will rapidly run into the tens of millions.”

“What makes a difference is that Amsterdam and its environs are flat. The city and the region only have to deal with the water that falls in the area itself. Cities in hilly areas such as Arnhem also have to deal with a lot of water that flows from the surrounding area. Then you will have surging streams.”

How has Amsterdam prepared for such a downpour?

“Since 2014 the city council, Waternet and Amstel, Gooi en Vecht district water board have been working with Amsterdam Rainproof to be better prepared. We’ve learnt a lot from the rainstorm on 28 July 2014, when fifty to ninety millimetres of rain fell in a couple of hours. We’ve identified the weak spots in the city using computer simulations. Waternet now has a ‘Downpour Plan’ so that the organisation can respond better to an acute situation.”

“The new sewerage plan sets the goal that the city must be able to deal with sixty millimetres of water in one hour without damage. ‘The city’ is then the sewers, surface water and the public space, because you can’t get away from the need to store the water temporarily on the streets.”

“By 2050 Amsterdam must in principle be able to absorb a torrential downpour like a sponge. That means that you need to make big and small interventions all over the city in order to capture the water. Sometimes that involves ­large projects, but more often it’s about details: i­ndividual speed bumps, lowered green strips and squares, more ­greenery and less paving, barriers to protect undercrofts, roof gardens, water-permeable road surfaces. Those sort of

­ odifications also makes the city much greener and more m attractive. And it’s not just an issue for the City Council and Waternet - all Amsterdam residents and businesses can do something themselves to make the city greener and more rainproof. For us as Amsterdam Rainproof that means that we do a lot of work around consciousness-raising and networking.”

“Most of the work is done by incorporating flood control into the regular maintenance of streets and parks. We have carried out stress tests for all districts. To support the various services and other stakeholders, we have produced fact sheets which itemise very specifically the risks in the event of extreme rainfall for each district. We’ve also identified almost a hundred problem areas where something needs to be done quickly. The twelve most urgent are a couple of districts, vital infrastructure, hospitals and museums. These need to be resolved within five years. All the problem areas need to have been fixed within fifteen years. That ambition of sixty millimetres per hour applies for all work in the public space, but we always check whether there are opportunities to capture twice as much relatively easily.”

“One known problem area is the Bellamybuurt district. The lowest point is alongside the Kostverlorenvaart. The canal there is above ground level, and with a mega-downpour there’s the risk that you will see almost a metre of water there. All the streets are being refurbished and the sewers replaced over the next couple of years, and the rainwater will be diverted as much as possible so that the lowest spot is less hard-hit.”

“The ‘Water-neutral Construction Envelope’ applies for construction projects on the Zuidas. The built environment ­there must be able to hold sixty millimetres of water for a day.

Something similar applies to new housing projects, such as on brownfield sites in the city, and on IJburg and Zeeburg.”

How do citizens respond to flooding?

“After 28 July 2014 we found that people understand very clearly that such an extreme downpour is an act of God. But they are critical. They usually know precisely where in the district the drains are where the water always accumulates, and then they justifiably say: “You should have done something about that.” On the other hand, you can’t expect the city council to keep all the drains free of leaves in the ­autumn. Residents can also help with that by sweeping away the leaves and keeping their street dry.” |

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IN THE PICTURE

Dax Boot (aged 25) - National trainee at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment - Currently based in Washington DC

Author Barbara Schilperoort

‘Water was never far’ WHO Dax Boot grew up on Schouwen-Duivenland, an island in the southwestern Netherlands province of Zeeland. From his bedroom window, he gaze out over the dike. His grandparent’s farm was hit hard by the 1953 North Sea flood (­Watersnoodramp). The subsequently installed flood ­barriers directly abutted their land. Therefore, as Boot ­describes of his childhood, “water was never far.” After completing his university preparatory education, with the E ­ conomics and Society profile, he decided to enrol in a broad, internationally oriented three-year university p ­ rogramme at Amsterdam University College. Specialising in earth science, he wrote his bachelor thesis on the Mississippi River. At which point, Boot says, “I realised that I wanted to delve deeper into ­water as a subject.” So he changed tack to study coastal d ­ ynamics and fluvial systems at the University of Utrecht.

WHERE Since the first of September, Boot has been living and working across the ocean in Washington DC. He will be on assignment for the next six months at the Dutch embassy in the US capital. After obtaining his master’s degree, he ­applied to become a national trainee. Boot explains, “As part of a NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

specially developed programme, recent graduates have two years to learn about the many areas of government. Because of my background, I joined the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. Every six months, you land in another place within the ministry, and then once outside of it. So, that can also be at an embassy. What makes working here different from, say, a ministry in The Hague? Everything you do is to promote the Netherlands’ position abroad. As part of a kind of exchange programme, I attended four months of lectures at the University of Florida for the courses Physical Geography and Wetland Ecology. That’s why I wanted to go to the US again.”

For Amsterdam International Water Week, he will transfer to the Netherlands. Just like two years ago, once more he will volunteer for the preparations for the youth programme.

According to Boot, “A special offering this year is a ‘climate migration’ escape room, where you can experience what it’s like to have to flee from water.”

THE FUTURE (DREAM) Boot has his mind on what lies ahead: “Climate and water, economy and society — these are my areas of interest. The intelligent use of space and technology, that’s the focus of the future. And I want to be a part of it. That’s more than possible within a ministry. In the short time I’ve had here to look around, I’ve seen so many different people working in a vast array of positions. Gathering around the table with other parties to formulate solutions to social issues: that’s what is so engaging about being a policy officer for the ­government.”

0 34 Fish migration river

Marker Wadden

NEW ICONS OF THE DUTCH WATER SECTOR In the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, the Dutch water sector is hard at work on new and exceptional projects. The Markeer Wadden is a recent example of building with nature. The archipelago’s unique design aims to improve water quality in the Markermeer.

A Fish Migration River will bisect the Afsluitdijk; this passage will enable fish such as sea trout, lamprey and sturgeon to reach the fresh water of the IJsselmeer from the Wadden Sea. As new icons of the Dutch water sector, both projects can also be constructed elsewhere in the world to resolve issues.

RECLAIMED LAND BRINGS DEAD MARKERMEER TO LIFE AGAIN Author Marloes Hooijmeijer Illustration Boskalis

Typically, reclaimed land is built in response to a lack of space, but that does not apply in the case of the Marker Wadden.

The goal of these islands is to improve the water quality of the Markermeer, to bring nature back to life again. A visit to the Marker Wadden is also planned during Amsterdam International Water Week.

Read on for a preview.

F “W

e’re standing here on reclaimed land, which was not here last year”, says Roel Posthoorn, Marker Wadden project manager. After a fifteen-minute trip from Lelystad, we’ve just arrived at what will become an archipelago of five natural islands in the Markermeer (a lake in central Netherlands).

The sun shines, the water glistens, the terns cry in the sky and a group of cackling geese graze nearby a section of fresh vegetation. Meanwhile, the work activities briskly continue in and around the reclaimed land. A shovel passes by, and utility vessels diligently ensure that new sand and clay can be deposited at various locations in the archipelagos.

Where warning signs reading “Beware of quicksand!” now stand, soon mud flats and marshes will form a veritable bird paradise.

The initiative for the Marker Wadden islands came from NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

FEATURE

Artist impression of Marker Wadden

the Nature Monuments Association (Natuurmonumenten).

Posthoorn is the brain behind the project, “I found it incomprehensible that we had left the Markermeer so dust-­ logged. At that time, it was closed off the IJsselmeer in ­order to reclaim land, but that never happened. Because there are no longer any tidal movements and the lake is surrounded by steep, hard banks, a half-a-metre film of sludge was able to form on the soil bottom. The water is cloudy because wind and waves stir up this thin sludge from the merely four-feetdeep lake. Due to insufficient sustenance for the fish and birds, there was little natural activity in evidence.”

UNIQUE DESIGN The Marker Wadden Archipelago is a joint project of the Dutch government and Natuurmonumenten. Posthoorn serves on behalf of both as the project director. Boskalis, >

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Boskalis realizes the Marker Wadden in phases. First, it places a lower dam and then ring dikes

an expert marine and dredging contractor, is implementing the project. This project not only represents a unique collaboration, it also features a unique design. The land is being reclaimed not to accommodate people, but rather to ­improve the water quality. In addition, the land has largely been built with soft clay extracted from the thick Holocene clay-sludge-peat layer located under the sludge blanket on the bottom of the Markermeer. It is a typical example of building with nature.

UNDERWATER DAM For each island, the first step was to build an underwater dam of solid sand, largely Pleistocene sand taken deep from the Markermeer bottom. The largest and the first island has a dam with a five-kilometre perimeter. Ring dikes, also constructed from Pleistocene sand, will divide the islands into sections. Boskalis is systematically erecting the ring dykes (a kind of rib structure, while filling the sections layer by ­layer with clay. The first piece of reclaimed land ­materialised above water in May 2016.

In the distance lies the Edax, Boskalis’ cutter suction dredger, which performs a majority of the work. The colossal machine slices clay and sand from the lake soil of Marker­ meer, and then draws it upward through a suction pipe

and dredge pumps. Two sand dams (so-called ‘shelter’ or ‘leeward’ dams) should protect the archipelago against ­south-westerly winds and north-western storms. They will soon form dunes and wide sandy beaches. “Here you can hear the surf and gaze out at a beautiful panoramic view of the Markermeer”, declares Posthoorn, while standing on just such a dam. “In the distance, you can see some high-rise buildings in Almere and, when it’s very clear, the Hemweg Power Station of Amsterdam, further only water.”

The two sand dams are linked with a stone dam on the western side of the Marker Wadden, where the wind and current are the strongest. These features enable firm anchorage of the main island in the Markermeer and help to protect the archipelago. Directly behind the stone dam are ten ­hectares of experimental space for soil research. Posthoorn ­remarks, “In any event, the research topic is how to also ­create ­reclaimed land from thin sludge. This sludge has absolutely no structure; if you allow it to dry, it turns into dust.”

A SLUDGE TRENCH Perpendicular to the stone dam, Boskalis will dredge another sludge trench. The idea being that thin sludge, which moves clockwise through the Markermeer, will sink down into that trench. “Due to this sinkage, based on our calcu-

FEATURE

lations, a fifth of the 100,000,000 m3 of the mobile sludge in the Markermeer would have to be demobilised in ten years,” according to the project director. As a result of the calm flow between the islands, sludge gets a chance to settle down, which is already happening. In illustration, Posthoorn points to the waters behind the shelter dam, which are indeed very clear. “The breeding of small aquatic animals began imme­ diately. The food chain is recovering. Over there is even a nest of black sterns — a special bird species. And here in this small but steep sand wall, you can see all the holes made by sand martins.”

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES During Amsterdam International Water Week, participants can admire the Marker Wadden with their own eyes. Accor­ ding to Posthoorn, the project also offers international ­opportunities. “There are other metropolitan deltas that are dealing with sludge-clouded waters. The idea of producing land from “worthless material” potentially interests a g ­ reat many. In addition, we’re experimenting with sandy water barriers: the shelter dams. Perhaps such an affordable type of water protection can also be used in areas with a small budget, but who stand to benefit from slightly more protection.”

NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

It’s time to remove the sandals; the boat will sail back from the port. Next summer, this port will be accessible for pleasure cruises and excursion boats. The main island will then be open to the public (the other islands are reserved solely for the birds). The reeds that Boskalis installed in August with a hovercraft will give the island a completely different appearance. There are hiking trails, a nature playground, bird watching huts and a viewing tower. Posthoorn proclaims, “The Markermeer has long struggled with a lack of love, but soon that will be in the past.” |

COST: €78 MILLION The construction of the five natural islands in the Marker­ meer will cost a total of €78 million. At €50 million, the first island (250 hectares) will be the most expensive. This money has been provided by the National Postal Code Lottery, the Natural Monuments Association, the Dutch government and the province of Flevoland. The same parties, plus the province of North Holland and some other NGOs and companies, will also help pay for the cost of the remaining four islands (approximately 450 hectares in total): €28 million.

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38 Author Corien Lambregtse | Illustration De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk

THE FISH MIGRATION RIVER: A NEW WATER SECTOR ICON The Afsluitdijk is an icon of Dutch Delta Design. The fish migration river that now transverses the dike will join its ranks. It’s a new opportunity for the Dutch water sector to raise its international profile by highlighting its unique knowledge of water and fish migration.

M

uch has been done to improve the quality of ­rivers and the life in those rivers. Channelised streams meander once more, here and there dams are being pierced and sluices are being outfitted with fish passages. However, compared with the construction of the Afsluitdijk Fish Migration River, these measures appear a bit hasty. Along with leaving the door open for the Haringvliet sluices, the construction of the fish migration river forms the final link for Dutch water ­management and the implementation of the Water Framework ­Directive (Kaderrichtlijn Water).

‘The fish migration river is a great solution, which matches the dimension of the Afsluitdijk’, remarks Herman ­Wanningen proudly. He is the director of the World Fish ­Migration Foundation. ‘This solution will really make a difference, also if it’s applied elsewhere in the world.’

A key player from the start, Wanningen helped when representatives of nature organisations and professional

anglers and sportfishing associations came together in 2011 to resolve the problem of the migratory fish and the Afsluitdijk. According to Wanningen, ‘The dike forms an ­insurmountable barrier for fish seeking freshwater spawning grounds. ­Millions simultaneously wait for the sluices to open on the western and eastern sides of the Afsluitdijk and spray water from the IJsselmeer into the Wadden Sea. Some fish swim against this hard-charging spray and ­manage to ­reach the IJsselmeer, though most do not. This has dramatic consequences for the quality and variety of fish stocks in the I­Jsselmeer and thus for the entire ecological system, ­upstream as well.’

PERMANENT PASSAGE Governmental authorities, scientists, engineering firms, builders and more — to a one, all are enthusiastic about the fish migration river. It permits a permanent passage through the Afsluitdijk that gives fish like twaite shad, sea

FEATURE

iStockphoto

WORLD FISH MIGRATION DAY, 21 APRIL 2018 The fish migration river will be one of the example projects highlighted at the International World Fisheries Day, 21 ­April 2018. This initiative is bringing together over 2,000 organisations from sixty countries, who are calling for greater attention to the importance of healthy, accessible rivers and migratory fish. The theme for 2018 is Happy Fish, a symbol conceived within the framework of the fish ­migration river. Anyone who wishes to join can sign up at www.worldfishmigrationday.com.

trout, lamprey and sturgeons the chance to reach fresh ­water (see the frame ‘A great solution’). Water security is safeguarded by slides on either side of the fish migration river. These same slides regulate the river’s flow rate and fresh and/or salt-water levels to create an optimal environment for the migratory fish.

Wanningen explains, ‘This solution applies in those places where a dam forms a necessary but difficult separation between fresh and salt water.’ However, this is not always the case. The Haringvliet sluices, for example, are also a place where migratory fish from the North Sea try to reach fresh water.’ However at that location, the decision was made to close the slide doors during favourable weather conditions.

So fresh and saltwater are in fact allowed to mix there.’

The knowledge the fishery migration river provides in the field of water and fish migration attracts worldwide interest.

According to Meinard Bos, project manager from the province of Friesland, the engineering firms can certainly apply the knowledge they acquire here to other projects.‘ Then both design and technology are required to determine the right flow rate, so that the fish are able to swim against it. Due to the rising sea levels, the future will see the construction of many dams and dikes. That’s why we also need to find a solution that will assist migratory fish. A fish migration river is the optimal solution where a fresh-water basin must be guarded against salt water. As fresh water in many parts of the world is becoming increasingly expensive, this solution will become ever more necessary.’

BEHAVIOUR OF MIGRATORY FISH The Fish Migration River Afsluitdijk also provides a wealth of information about the behaviour of migratory fish. Under the NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

guidance of the Wadden Academy, a research programme will be established. Board member Katja Philippart elaborates, ‘The Wadden Academy aims to maintain and a ­ dvance knowledge about the Wadden area, and this project contributes significantly to this goal.’

A test facility installed at the fish migration river will r­ esearch its effect on the behaviour and population of migratory fish.

In the scouring basin at the entrance to the Wadden Sea, fish will be caught before being tagged with a transmitter. As they make their way through the fish migration river, the fish will be closely monitored with the aid of such tools as underwater cameras and viewing windows. Philippart n ­ otes, ‘We want to know what exactly they are doing, how they find the entrance, how they transition from fresh to salt water and how they use the flow to reach the Ijsselmeer. Once you have all of this information, you can take it into account in the design and management of fish migration rivers. So, ­there’s no doubt this will deliver very compelling research.

The international scientific community in England, America and Asia, among other locales, has exhibited major interest in this research. Given that fish migration is a global topic, we must tackle it together in order to make headway. |

A GREAT SOLUTION The Afsluitdijk Fish Migration River is a four-kilometrelong winding river in the IJsselmeer, which connects with the Wadden Sea via a sealable opening (fifteen meters wide by ten metres high) in the Afsluitdijk. During low tide, fresh water from the IJsselmeer flows into the Wadden Sea, and this stream attracts fish to the river’s entrance.

The flow rate is so low that both strong and weak fish can swim against it. Other animals, such as flounder larvae, can be carried along the flood stream to the IJsselmeer.

The winding river guides the fish from the salt-water to the fresh-water zone and prevents salt water from flowing into the IJsselmeer.

The Fish Migration River project (costing €55 million) is part of the Nieuwe Afsluitdijk, a broad, collaborative programme between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland and the municipalities of Hollands Kroon, Southwest-Friesland and Harlingen. The programme has ambitious plans regarding the nature, renewable energy, economy, recreation and tourism in and around the ­Afsluitdijk. Kornwerderzand is building a visitor centre that is slated to open in 2018. Visitors will benefit from a totally immerse experience of the Afsluitdijk, including the story of the fish migration river. The project should be completed by 2022. (www.vismigratierivier.nl)

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ART PIECE

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COOLING ON AN AMSTERDAM ROOF Author Charlotte Leenaers | Photography Marcel Molle

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The roof of building 002 at Amsterdam’s marine terrain has met with a radical ­metamorphosis. The bituminous black roof has transformed into a green r­ esearch roof with dozens of sensors: Project Smartroof 2.0.

Green roofs help mitigate urban summer warming. The evaporation process cools down not only buildings, but also the surrounding environment. Moreover, green roofs reduce the water drainage into the sewer and provide a moist foundation for vegetation.

Project Smartroof 2.0 is a so-called “greenblue roof”, which features an additional drainage layer with water storage capacity installed under the substrate.

“On our research roof, we study precisely how much water evaporates,” explains Joris ­Voeten, Urban Roofscapes project leader.

“On the green-blue roof, we’ve installed an 85-ml-deep drainage layer under the vegetation, allowing ten times more water storage than an ordinary green roof. With this d ­ rainage layer, we’re looking to optimise the system so it weighs as little as possible while ensuring the maximum amount of e ­ vaporation.”

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NEW BUSINESS

Powered by Water Alliance | from idea to business

NEW DUTCH WATER TECHNOLOGY Vision | Groundbreaking Dutch innovations Once more, the Holland Business Pavilion at Aquatech in Amsterdam is set to attract international visitors. This pavilion has evolved into a true crowd pleaser at the trade exhibition. No great surprise, given that it’s a wonderful opportunity to see the latest Dutch innovations and meet the companies behind them.

The companies participating in the Holland Business Pavilion — a joint initiative of NWP, Water Alliance and Envaqua — will exhibit the best innovations from the Dutch water technology sector. The groundbreaking technologies, which did not even exist a few years ago, range from: desalination to recovery and reuse technologies; ­sustainable wastewater treatment to smart sensors; the latest monitoring ­techniques to energy-saving or energy-generating technologies.

Initiated by Water Alliance, the Holland Business Pavilion on ‘Innovation Avenue’ will host around twenty Dutch companies. The pavilion quickly filled up. Which is notable, because trade exhibitions typically face substantial pressure. Not Aquatech. Due to the international design and outlook and its link with Amsterdam International Water Week, the trade exhibition has proven immensely appealing.

This year, internationally minded water-sector professionals from numerous countries around the world will travel again to Amsterdam. Dutch companies, of course, also have a major presence at the various international trade exhibitions, such as WEFTEC held last September in Chicago, the most important water trade exhibition in North America, or IFAT in Munich, which is slated for May of next year. But the Holland Pavilion at Aquatech is now the jewel in the crown.

What’s more, during the AIWW in Amsterdam, you can also focus on Dutch solutions to the effects of climate change: the Delta programme. And international audiences have a deep appreciation of Dutch expertise. You notice that at other international trade exhibitions and conferences or, for example, when I contacted the water cluster in Houston, where Hurricane Harvey recently caused major damage.

The Dutch innovations on display at Aquatech primarily focus on water quality. You simply must see these, so be sure to visit Amsterdam from 31 October through 3 November. Many international visitors will also conclude the week with the Water Tech Tour from Amsterdam to WaterCampus Leeuwarden on 3 November, where they will be able to see several innovative projects and research facilities all within a single day.

See you at Aquatech Amsterdam.

Hein Molenkamp Managing Director of Water Alliance h.molenkamp@wateralliance.nl

Water Alliance is a joint venture of the government, knowledge institutes and businesses in the water technology field in the Netherlands. Water Alliance mainly targets small and medium-sized enterprises working on innovative and sustainable water technology that can be marketed worldwide. Water Alliance supports companies by providing national and international matchmaking, networking and business development services.

wateralliance Agora 4 8934 CJ Leeuwarden +31 (0)58-2849044 www.wateralliance.nl

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PIONEERING TECHNOLOGIES AT DUTCH INNOVATION AVENUE AT AQUATECH The Dutch water technology ­sector will be showcased at Aquatech ­Amsterdam, part of Amsterdam International Water Week. At Innovation Avenue, visitors can learn all about groundbreaking innovations in the Dutch water sector.

The avenue is centrally located in the Netherlands Water Pavilion a joint initiative of Water Alliance, Netherlands Water Partnership and ENVAQUA. The pavilion will be prominently featured at the trade ­exhibition.

Dutch companies will present their breakthrough technologies on Innovation Avenue, the “street” nested between Water Alliance Island and Holland Lounge. Curious about which companies will be there and what innovations will be exhibited? Among the companies are a number of prize winners, such as BW Products that won the Water Industry Achievement Award earlier this year with ­partner Aquabio in Birmingham. Wafilin Systems was also award winning this year. With the innovation ‘Concentrating Milk’ it won the WIS Award in Leeuwarden.

At a glance, a summary of the companies’ exhibits. A sampling, if you will, of the water technology innovations in the Netherlands.

ADVANCED WATER RECLAIMERS have developed Hydraloop, a ­system for water saving that cleans and ­disinfects bath and shower wastewater for reuse in the toilet, washing machine and the garden. With Hydraloop, households can reuse more than 50% of their residential water, which represents a savings of 50% or more on the use of water from the tap.

NR5 / MEI 2013 2017 NO.10-OCTOBER

Akanova, installation of wastewater treatment

AkaNova develops artificial intelligence for decentralised purification facilities.

The sensor and control technology ­determines the level of wastewater contamination and the treatment process is subsequently energyefficiently adjusted to achieve the required effluent quality. What sets this innovative project apart is the new operating system that intelligently anticipates incoming wastewater (freight and quantity).

AQANA/SALTTECH/BIOTRACK: Aqanahas created a revolutionary technology for converting organic components of industrial wastewater into biogas. Aqana’s DACS technology is “next-generation” anaerobic technology that has overcome the drawbacks of the same first-generation technology, making DACS widely applicable.

SALTTECH, affiliated with BIOTRACK, has come up with a technology that can totally remove inorganic components, such as salts, from water in a single step. Salttech is the first Zero Liquid Discharge technology world­ wide that combines flexibility with low maintenance and continuous operation.

BIOTHANE/VEOLIA specialises in developing and implementing ­sustainable and cost-effective technologies to purify industrial wastewater and to maximise the existing components. An example being the ingenious Memthane process, which produces biogas from wastewater in sync with membrane filtration that removes suspended solids from the effluent and, in many cases, renders aerobic purification redundant. The wastewater can even be processed again at the factory for reuse.

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NEW BUSINESS Powered by Water Alliance

BLUECON has produced a 100% physical and compact local unit for purifying sewage wastewater for villages of between 1,000 to 10,000 residents. The innovation is based on advanced DFL (Dissolved Air Flotation) technology. The water is so cleaned that it can be discharged onto surface water or reused in the environment.

BW PRODUCTS will display Sand Cycle: a technique that enables both water purification and water supply companies to better monitor their ­treatment processes. Sand-Cycle is the first specific application of technology in continuous sand filters, for wastewater treatment, but also to the rinse water treatment of drinking water companies.

The smart sensor of LevelLog

in front of a fermenter consequently ­increases the fermenter’s capacity and efficiency, resulting in up to a 35 per cent increase in biogas production.

DWP (DUTCH WATER PARTNERS) will present a water tower at Aquatech that uses sustainable methods to clean wastewater. The company in Leeuwarden places drinking water treatment plants according to its own concept, called PURELeau. With this, DWP wants to contribute to better drinking water treatment, water storage and distribution in developing countries and emerging economies.

TurboTec, DMT

DMT will present the TurboTec® Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP), in which sludge is “hydrolysed” at a high temperature (for the experts: we’re talking about the steam explosion of a cell structure compound via water absorption, *editors). With the Thermal Hydrolysis Process, DMT/Sustec offers water treatment companies in particular a combination of hydrolysis and dehydration that significantly lowers the cost of processing sludge and renders transportation easier and cheaper. Installing a TurboTec

Landustrie, screw

LANDUSTRIE will exhibit its Archime­ des screw pump that offers a m ­ ethod for generating energy through hydro­

power. River water flowing down through the Archimedes screw pump initiates its rotation. By applying the correct propulsion and by adjusting the chute point, the rotating movement can generate energy. As a result, hydropower is available twenty-four hours per day. Moreover, the hydro­ powered screw pump can be used both as a generator and as a pump.

LEVELLOG is a smart sensor that is able to efficiently measure the constantly changing water levels in monitoring wells. “Due to its simple commission and operation, clear display of data and universal applicability, LevelLog clearly distinguishes itself from traditional solutions,” says entrepreneur John Klaver. This innovative approach principally offers managers who monitor groundwater levels several efficiency advantages.

MICROLAN will present the BACTcontrol online monitor. The benefit of this BACTcontrol online monitor is that the microbiological water quality is constantly monitored, thereby avoiding the long waits associated with frequent sampling of water and microbiological laboratory testing.

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PAQUES will present ‘BIOPAQ®ICX’.

With this technology, the company, in its own words, offers a state-of-theart solution for anaerobic wastewater treatment that also features highly flexible tank design. According to ­Paques, the compact system can even be implemented in existing tanks. Due to the high concentration of biomass, the reactor can handle high-­volume loads. The two-stage retention system prevents biomass leakage and high fluid velocities ensure outstanding mixing properties, making ­BIOPAQ®ICX suitable for treating a wide range of industrial wastewater.

Rainmaker, Air-to-Water

technologies: Air-to-Water; which extracts fresh water from moisture in the atmosphere and Water-to-­ Water; which transforms non-potable water (waste, salt, polluted, grey or ­brackish) into drinking water.

Paques, BIOPAQ ICX

PB INTERNATIONAL: will present an innovative ultra-filtration solution that is designed and produced to filter the feedwater of small residential humidifiers. The so-called “HomeEvap” improves the comfort of homes and promotes a healthy indoor climate.

The ultra-filtration removes the risk of legionella.

PRO WATER will present its chlorine sensor that measures levels without using a membrane.

RAINMAKER builds two types of energy-saving, fresh-water producing NR5 / MEI 2013 2017 NO.10-OCTOBER

SOLTEQ will present the Fresh Water Mill. This mill can purify water at the same time as it generates energy, particularly in local areas. The windmill converts the wind into high pressure, which is required for desalination via reverse osmosis. The Fresh Water Mill makes drinking water from seawater or from brackish water and even wastewater. With the remaining energy, green power is produced.

WAFILIN SYSTEMS will exhibit ceramic nanofiltration for extracting water and energy from hot process streams like washing water, CIP streams from the food and beverage industry, blanching water from the food processing industry, condensate flows from industrial evaporation and drying processes. In the agricultural

sector, Wafilin is doing successful testing with concentrating milk at farm level. “This can reduce the volume of milk by half,” says Jos van Dalfsen of Wafilin. “And thus reducing costs for both the farmer and the dairy, think of transport and energy. “

Jos van Dalfsen, Wafilin Systems

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AGRICULTURE AND DRINKING WATER EXTRACTION CAN BE COMPATIBLE Since the 1970s, more and more minerals and pesticides have entered the groundwater. Despite efforts by the government, the agricultural sector and water supply companies to reduce the usage — and therefore also the leaching — of these substances, there is still a considerable strain on the groundwater supply. Therefore, in 2010 ­Overijssel Province agreed to reduce the strain on the most vulnerable supply of drinking water with the project Boeren voor Drinkwater or Farmers for Drinking Water.

Dairy farmers have been invited to participate in the project in five intake areas in Overijssel (Archemerberg, Hoge Hexel, Wierden, Espelose Broek and Herikerberg/Goor: all located near Nijverdal). From 2011 to 2016, sixteen farmers participated in this project. In 2016, the group expanded with sixteen new participants. Together, these thirty-two farmers are managing about 30% of the five intake areas. These ­areas primarily consist of grassland and corn fields for the production of roughage.

­ ageningen UR (knowledge about business operations W and the environment), Countus (agricultural accountant), ­Stimuland (rural projects), Royal HaskoningDHV (knowledge about groundwater protection) and the livestock farmers.

The mutual need to reduce environmental emissions is ­paramount. And as a result, dairy farmers simultaneously improve their operating efficiency. Due to this mutual need as well intensive guidance and the exchange of knowledge and experiences, these measures enjoy substantial support.

KRINGLOOPWIJZER (RECYCLE GUIDE) The Boeren voor Drinkwater project is based on two pillars: reducing the strain on the groundwater while s­ imultaneously improving operating results. The connecting link is the ­mineral cycle. Understanding this cycle helps to prevent losses, thereby reducing leaching. Using minerals more ­efficiently leads to better operating results.

In 2011, the staff at these companies began working with the Kringloopwijzer: a tool that illustrates a company’s ­entire ­mineral cycle and quickly demonstrates the effects of ­various operational measures.

Many partners are collaborating on this project: water supply company Vitens, Overijssel Province, LTO Noord,

THE NITRATE STANDARD For business operations, the main indicator is the loss of nitrogen in the soil. This so-called “nitrogen surplus” ­leaches into the groundwater primarily in the form of nitrate.

The upper groundwater may contain up to 50 mg of nitrate per litre. For this project, the assumption is that this nitrate standard will be achieved at a nitrogen soil surplus of 80 to 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare. This assumption is b ­ ased on years of research at De Marke, an experimental farm in Hengelo (Gelderland). De Marke is a livestock farm built on sandy soil, which, in terms of soil type and the g ­ roundwater level, is comparable with the farms participating in the ­Boeren met Drinkwater project.

WATER SCIENCE

During the project, the participants’ average nitrogen surplus decreased to approximately 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare. The surpluses are not yet stable below 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare, but the trend is positive. Comparing the performance indicators from 2016 with the start of the ­ project demonstrates that more efficient mineral ­utilisation on average yields a financial benefit of €4,745 per ­company annually. The gains are in more efficient roughage ­production, higher feed efficiency and higher milk production.

REDUCTION IN LEACHING In 2015, the nitrate concentrations in the upper groundwater of the sixteen participants fell from about 90 to about 75 mg of nitrate per litre. The standard has not yet been reached ,but the concentrations have continuously decreased since 2013. In 2017, this will be measured again, and the expectation (based on the results of De Marke) is that the nitrate concentration will once more decrease. The most important decline has been achieved in maize production, through measures such as row fertilisation and under-sowing grass in the maize.

In untaxed areas, concentrations of 31 mg of nitrate per litre have been measured. This is quite high due to the v­ ulnerable soil and a relatively high background pollution load due to atmospheric deposition. This makes it clear that the participating farmers have to operate within narrow margins.

FARMERS WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS Like at De Marke, it appears possible in these five intakes areas to farm on vulnerable sandy soil while staying within environmental standards. Improving the mineral management not only results in higher quality groundwater, but it also provides participants with money. This requires ­continuous attention to business operations, and the willingness to try out new measures and exchange knowledge and experiences.

Achieving the nitrate standard in these five intake areas of NO.10-OCTOBER 2017

Vitens will require upscaling. Therefore, the project will be continued through 2020, during which it will c­ollaborate with the existing project Vruchtbare Kringloop Overijssel (VKO). The VKO project can accommodate 500 companies.

There will be an additional incentive if the intake areas are classified as “agricultural innovation areas.” A concrete first step would be to reward farmers in these areas via company indicators for ‘excellent business management’.

Cors van den Brink (Royal HaskoningDHV), Koos Verloop (WUR), Jaap Gielen (Countus), Wilco Pasman (Stimuland) An extended version of this article can be read by clicking here.

SUMMARY In the Boeren voor Drinkwater project, dairy farmers in the most vulnerable of Overijssel’s sandy regions have been working since 2010 with Overijssel Province and the water supply company Vitens to reduce the nitrate levels in the groundwater supply. Although the target for nitrate leaching has not yet been achieved, considerable improvement has already been booked toward this goal. A more efficient mineral cycle will reduce the environmental impact, which appears to go hand-in-hand improved economic profitability.

However, in order to safeguard the supply of drinking water, it is necessary to scale the project up to entire intake areas.

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WATER MATTERS is the online knowledge journal regarding water technology and water safety.

It is published twice a year by Royal Dutch Water Network, publisher of H2O magazine. You can read it by clicking on this page.

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