Climate change is transforming water management. Longer periods of drought, increasing numbers of hot days, and extreme precipitation events are leading to shortages in water availability, flooding in cities, and stress on water bodies and ecosystems. At the same time, pressure on water resources is increasing: drinking water supply, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection are competing for a resource that, although still available in Germany, is not unlimited.
The interaction of these developments requires holistic water management that combines economic, ecological, and social perspectives. It is important to have adaptation strategies that proactively address the consequences of climate change and avoid or at least minimize damage to people, infrastructure, and the environment. In this context, water management is not only seen as an affected industry, but also as an active factor in shaping a climate-resilient future.
FiW supports the necessary transformation with scientifically established methods and practice-oriented concepts in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cooperation. We assess risks and potential based on climate projections, develop integrated water strategies, and support municipalities, authorities, and companies in planning and implementing measures. We assist in analyzing and safeguarding water quality and in the expert handling of pollutants along the water cycle.
To this end, we develop tailor-made digital tools and use proven modeling and data-based methods – such as hydrological and hydraulic models, GIS analyses, and high-resolution monitoring concepts. Participation processes, participatory workshops, and the transfer of scientific findings into application-ready tools are central components of our work in bringing research into practice.
The aim of our activities is to enable climate-resilient structures that ensure long-term security of supply, quality of life, and protection of water resources. We see water management and climate change adaptation as a cross-cutting social task – in addition to established technical knowledge, it requires a willingness to integrate contributions from different perspectives.
B2M Raman
Optimisation of the dynamic Biogas-to-Methanol-Process using inline Raman spectroscopy
MoreClearWater
Development of an AI-based optical measuring system for monitoring the flocculant dosing process in wastewater and reduction of polyacrylamide-based flocculants using dual flocculation
MoreDynamic adaptation of regional planning and development processes to the effects of climate change
dynaklim – Using the example of the Emscher-Lippe region (Ruhr area)
MoreecReUse | South Africa
Enhancing Resource Use Efficiency in South Africa through Water Reuse and Sustainable Energy Production at Wastewater Treatment Plants
MoreECWASA | South Africa
Innovative water infrastructure management to increase water security for people, economy and agriculture in Southern Africa
MorePollution load based sewer management in Cologne
ENTfrachtEN – Development of an integral process measuring and control technology concept for pollution load based real-time control of wastewater discharge with the aim of surface water relief.
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Gelderland Water Strategy
Transboundary waters workshop in Arnhem to intensify cross-border cooperation in water management between North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands
MoreGewässerzweckverband Ahr
Design of the financing system within the framework of the establishment of the Ahr Water Management Association
MoreGetting active together for a good climate
iResilience – Social innovations and smart city infrastructures for the resilient city of the future
MoreIntegrated Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation Concept for the City of Ratingen
MoreHydrodynamic calculations of the Cologne boundary channel
Combined modeling in the area of Cologne
MoreModel for an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Rhine-Main (Germany)
Strategy development for water resources management for almost 5 million inhabitants
MoreLINEG Water Management Year 2024
Hydrological analysis and historical classification of precipitation as well as Rhine and groundwater levels on the left bank of the Lower Rhine
MoremobileVIEW – the mobile measuring station
Use of sensor data from moving vehicles to record precipitation information as part of the digitisation strategy in water management
MoreNiersCon
Analysis of decentralized water retention and groundwater recharge through integrated control of the regional ditch system
MoreNiersFluX
High-resolution trace substance flux balance in the Niers catchment to quantify direct and indirect input pathways and derive options for action
MoreAnoxic Biowash for Biogas Desulfurization as a Contribution to the Climate Future
NitroSX – Microbiological Biogas Desulphurisation
MoreR2K-Klim+
Strategic decision support tool for adaptation to climate change on a regional and municipal level in the Rhine area
Morerender – More renewable energies
Regional dialogue on energy change - together on the way to an energy region
MoreRiverCloud
UAV/USV tandem system for the collection and provision of high-resolution data for water management and the expansion and maintenance of waterways
MoreSPIS4FNS | Kenya
SPIS4FNS – Development and Optimization of Solar-Powered Rainwater Harvesting Concepts to Strengthen Food Security in Kenya
MoresubKRITIS
Assessment of the IT security level of small and medium-sized wastewater treatment plants in North Rhine-Westphalia below the KritisV
MoreWaLKIS
Wasserwirtschaftliche Ermittlungen und Anwendung von digitalen Versiegelungsdaten aus amtlichen Liegenschaftskatasterdaten – Phase I & II
MoreDriftwood forecasting on waterways
Investigation of the necessity and efficiency of measures to prevent and retain driftwood to protect bridge structures and culverts
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