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Within this theme, WM contributes to water and energy sustainability in cities and urbanising deltas. Research focuses on water reuse via treatment, and on operation and integrated planning of existing and new urban water infrastructure (water supply, sewers, nature-based urban drainage systems) in the face of climate change and urbanisation. WM also develops water-related solutions for the energy transition based on nutrient and energy recovery from (waste)water, aquifer thermal energy storage, sustainable heat grids, and smart operation of energy-intensive pumping in low-lying polder areas.

This theme focuses on protecting human health and the environment by reducing and managing risks associated with water pollution, landslides, floods, and failures in water infrastructure. WM develops new technologies for detecting and removing water contaminants in drinking water, sewage and groundwater, and works with stakeholders to measure and manage water pollution in river basins. WM research on forecasting water-related hazards, such as (flash) floods and landslides, and on early detection of cyber-attacks on urban water infrastructure, is used to develop early-warning systems.

Research in this theme contributes to sustainable land and water resources management in the face of climate change. WM develops novel techniques for measuring and modelling hydrological processes, such as rainfall, evaporation, runoff, streamflow, and groundwater flow. These tools contribute to a better quantitative description of the hydrological cycle, facilitate flood and drought management in river basins, and support sustainable agriculture, e.g. by providing climate services that help farmers better anticipate droughts during the crop growing season.