Surface waters & water quality

Clean water is the basis for life, health, and a functioning environment. Preserving and improving the quality of groundwater and surface water is therefore one of the central tasks of sustainable water management. The aim of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) is to achieve a good ecological and chemical status for all surface waters and groundwater bodies. Conflicts over land use, increasing immissions of pollutants, and the consequences of climate change are making this task increasingly difficult.

The challenges surrounding the topic of water bodies and water quality are well known and, at the same time, more relevant than ever: longer dry spells, higher water temperatures, and heavy rainfall events influence material flows, nutrient dynamics, and aquatic ecology. Meanwhile, soil sealing, competition for land, and increasing water demand in agriculture and industry are adding pressure on the system. Protecting our waters therefore requires a coordinated approach by all stakeholders - from local authorities and water associations to research, industry, and civil society.

At FiW, we develop practical concepts, models, and methods for sustainable water management and securing the ecological function of water bodies. This includes strategies for reducing and monitoring micropollutants, water quality studies, and concepts for adapting to climate change.

Another focus lies on the digitization of water management: the use of remote sensing, sensor technology, and data-based analyses is resulting in high-resolution monitoring methods that provide a precise picture of the ecological status of surface waters. For a holistic water monitoring, we are developing new methods for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data and supporting their pilot application. This allows measures for revitalizing and protecting our waters to be planned and reviewed in a targeted manner.

Our objective is to ensure the quality and resilience of our waters in the long term - for people, nature, and a sustainable water future.