From industrial wastewater recovery and water quality testing to filtration technologies and rural water security, WAITRO members are developing solutions to improve how water resources are managed, protected and used.
Access to safe water and the sustainable management of water resources are essential for public health, environmental protection and economic development. Yet increasing pressure on water supplies, pollution and changing climatic conditions highlight the need for innovative approaches to water treatment, resource efficiency and infrastructure development.
Across the WAITRO Global Innovation Family, research and technology organizations are addressing these challenges from different perspectives. This month’s Member Roundup highlights four initiatives from Sweden, Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Namibia that demonstrate how research, technological innovation and collaboration can contribute to more resilient water systems.
Recovering Value from Industrial Wastewater
Industrial wastewater contains resources that can potentially be recovered and reused rather than discharged.
The IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is contributing to the IN.CYCLE project, which explores innovative approaches to recovering water, energy and chemicals from industrial wastewater.
By combining advanced treatment technologies with digital monitoring, sensors and resource recovery processes, the project aims to improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities.
The initiative demonstrates how circular approaches to wastewater management can help industries make better use of available resources while reducing waste.
Safeguarding Water Quality Through Testing
Ensuring water safety is particularly important following extreme weather events, when flooding and damage to infrastructure can increase the risk of contamination.
In Jamaica, the Scientific Research Council (SRC) provides microbiological and chemical testing services to help households and businesses assess the safety of their water supplies.
Following a recent hurricane, SRC highlighted the importance of testing water from storage tanks, catchment systems and other sources to identify potential contamination and protect public health.
Through its analytical services, the organization supports informed decisions about water use and contributes to safer water management during recovery efforts.
Improving Water Quality with Ceramic Filters
Water filtration technologies can play an important role in improving drinking water quality, particularly when they make use of locally available materials.
The Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) from Sri Lanka has developed a clay-based water filtration technology designed to remove fluoride, heavy metals and other contaminants from drinking water.
The ceramic filtration system demonstrates how applied research and material innovation can contribute to practical water treatment solutions.
By exploring locally available resources for filtration, the technology offers an approach to improving drinking water quality.
Strengthening Water Security in Rural Communities
In Namibia, sustainable access to water is closely connected to the protection and management of natural water sources, particularly in regions experiencing water scarcity.
The University of Namibia (UNAM) is contributing to rural water security through the Kunene Springs Project, which focuses on developing and protecting natural springs in three villages in the Kunene Region.
Working with regional partners, the university has supported improvements to local water infrastructure to strengthen access to safe water.
The project demonstrates how collaboration between research institutions and local partners can translate knowledge into practical improvements in water access and resource management.
Connecting Research and Innovation for Water Security
From recovering valuable resources in industrial wastewater to monitoring water quality, developing filtration technologies and protecting natural springs, these four initiatives address different but interconnected aspects of water security.
Together, they highlight the diversity of expertise within the WAITRO Global Innovation Family and the importance of research-driven approaches that respond to different environmental, technological and societal contexts.
Interested in Sharing Your Story?
We’re always looking to highlight inspiring research, innovation and collaboration from across the WAITRO Global Innovation Family.
Share your success story with us and we’ll feature it on our website and social media channels to help amplify your impact, inspire others and connect your work with a global audience. More information on https://waitro.org/share-projects-news-events/.
