Partners for water supports groundbreaking water initiatives through subsidy rounds, fostering innovation and sustainability in water management worldwide. Over the past years, we have provided subsidies to 39 exceptional projects that are making significant progress in addressing water-related challenges.

Below, we will introduce each of these projects, highlighting their locations, goals, consortium members, and the specific problems they aim to solve. From improving wastewater treatment in Brazil to combating soil salinity in Egypt and enhancing water retention in urban areas of Portugal, these projects showcase diverse and impactful solutions. Join us as we explore these pioneering efforts and their contributions to creating a more sustainable and water-secure future.

1. Improvement of wastewater (Brazil) [pilot project]

The SolidUS consortium aims to develop a low-cost ultrasonic sensor for real-time monitoring of solids concentration in wastewater treatment plants. This innovative sensor can be used in water treatment facilities with a UASB reactor. The sensor will save time enabling better control of the installations outflow, which will improve waste water quality. The consortium consists of NHL Stenden Hogeschool, Lamp-lon, YNOVIO, CR-ETES and Federal University of Minas Gerais.

2. Sustainable water from the air (Brazil) [pilot project]

The goal of the Solaq B.V. consortium is to further develop their ground breaking air-to-water technology. Called ‘WaterWin’, the technology powered by solar energy extracts drinking water from the air in semi-arid regions of Brazil. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness, WaterWin enables more affordable water rates. The consortium consists of NHL Stenden Hogeschool, the Brazilian research institute FUNCEME and the Brazillian NGO SISAR.

3. The use of natural groundwater buffers (Colombia)

‘Zona Bananera’ in the north of Colombia is home to 30% of the national banana production, resulting over 70% of the total water demand in the area. In dry months, available water is not enough to irrigate and banana producers need to tap into saline groundwater, which reduces their yield. In the wet period, excess of water flows in the rivers after covering the demand of people, agriculture, and nature. Parts of this excessive fresh water can be stored and used during the dry season. A study will assess the possibilities and conditions for Aquifer Storage and Recharge (ASR) application for banana farms. Since Zona Bananera is located between two biosphere reserved the local environment will also take advantage of the storage of fresh water underground, to avoid further salination.

4. Detection and monitoring Harmful Algae Blooms (Costa Rica) [pilot project]

Globally, Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) can threaten water quality, coastal ecosystems and industry sectors such as seafood, fishing and tourism. Without reliable information, as to the location of HABS, no proper measures can be taken. The consortium MAReS (Water Insight, the Costa Rican University UNA and Kaune Ingenieros & Arquitectos) will use remote sensing technology and on-site measurements to provide near-real-time and spatial information on HABs in Costa Rican coastal areas.

5. Monitoring and combating algae (Ecuador)

In Ecuador, LG Sonic B.V. will pilot an innovative solution to tackle the growth of algae in shrimp ponds since algae causes loss in harvests and potentially temporary closing of the farms. An online monitoring station will monitor the full scope of water quality of the inflowing -and outflowing water at the farm. Additionally a standalone ultrasonic buoy within each pond will prevent the formation of algae in the ponds. Completed with several monitoring tools a water-quality management system allows the farmer to takes measures. The solution will have positive impact on surrounding communities, as algal blooms currently negatively affect local marine species.

6. Hydroponic methods to combat soil salinity and water scarcity (Egypt)

The ProSal-Hydro project introduces a low-tech, low cost, open field hydroponic system (LTLCH) to enhance irrigation efficiency for smallholder farmers in the Nile Delta and to combat local salinisation. Vegetables will grow in shallow basins with their roots in the water, saving up to 80 to 90% of water compared to open field sprinkler irrigation systems. This allows for higher yields and consistent quality, and it is expected to be an affordable method with higher income for the farmer. With the funding from Partners for Water, the consortium will pilot the system in four locations in Egypt and aims to build local capacity to enhance the sustainable operations of the installed systems.

Consortium: Delphy B.V., The Salt Doctors B.V. and Plug ‘n’ Grow.

7. Water availability decision support service (Eswatini)

Eswatini suffers from natural draught hazards and this is a risk for food security. For day-to-day and seasonal management of water resources, up-to-date information on forecasted water availability is important.  A consortium of HydroLogic, FutureWater and Emanti Management will showcase a transboundary water availability forecasting service for two major river basins that cross South Africa and Mozambique as well. International water usage agreements between the countries require a sound forecasting system to guarantee water security for all water users.

8. Three-part urban flood forecasting system (Ethiopia)

A consortium led by HKV will address the significant challenges in flood management that are faced by the local water authorities of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, by implementing a three-part urban flood forecasting system. This innovative solution will utilise the rapid flood inundation model SFINCS, integrated with HydroMT, to better predict and understand the effects of floods. This approach not only provides valuable weather insights but also generates steering information for flood management, emergency response and adaptation measures.

Consortium: HKV, Deltares, the Dutch Red Cross, Tahmo and ICPAC.

9. Climate-smart irrigation system (Ghana)

The Technical University of Delft will together with Future Water, Holland Greentech and TAHMO pilot a new, accurate water saving irrigation service for smallholder farmers. Many available irrigation services only make use of satellite data and/or global forecast data. The SOSIA+ tool will include real-time local ground data offered by TAHMO weather stations and soil moisture sensors.  For farmers further away from weather stations satellite-derived weather will be used. This will significantly reduce water consumption due to over-irrigation (and associated energy use) and thus boost water security.

10. Smart reuse of wastewater (Ghana)

Dumping wastewater in natural areas (like lakes, rivers and swamps) is common practice in Ghana. Governmental policy to stop this practice is officially in place but practical solutions are lagging behind. Some existing waste water treatment plants malfunction due to lack of operational knowledge, budget and spare parts. Bureau M2 B.V. and Green-Gro ltd. will conduct a feasibility study to determine the working of conversing wastewater/sludge into compost and irrigation water. The wastewater will be filtered through either sand or carbon, and a helophyte filter filled with native plants. The resulting organic material will be converted into hygienic and high-quality compost without use of additional energy sources resulting in, while the remaining filtered water will be used for irrigation.

11. Innovative community water treatment system (Ghana)

Element15, Climate Focus and Fix that Pump will demonstrate and improve a community water treatment system designed to retrofit existing water infrastructures in Ghana’s rural areas. Their innovative BAR treatment system delivers water that is safe for consumption without requiring energy to operate the process. During the pilot phase, the consortium aims to have the BAR system certified by the World Health Organization and to improve its sustainability through carbon credit market financing. To test the operational feasibility, the project will go through the entire validation and verification cycle of certifying the project for carbon credits.

Consortium: Element15, Climate Focus and Fix that Pump.

12. Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring with Io(U)T (India)

This project aims to tackle severe water pollution and its monitoring in the Ganga River and key water bodies in Tamil Nadu and Goa, India. It will enable comprehensive water quality monitoring while minimising theft and vandalism risks through a submerged setup. This solution involves Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring (RTWQM) using Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) technology, creating a wireless sensor network for real-time data transmission to a cloud dashboard. Expected outcomes of the project include a robust real-time water quality monitoring network for one year at five key locations, aiming support data-driven environmental management and effective environmental regulations and policies.

Consortium: Planys Technologies and Variya Tech

13. Real Life Water Budgets for Sustainable Water management (India)

In Bagalkot District, India, 70% of the population depends on agriculture. This district increasingly relies on groundwater extraction for irrigation, leading to rapidly declining groundwater tables. The consortium aims to address this issue by providing volumetric water budgets through real-time, sensor-based, time-series modelling. Watermappers’ level and flow sensors will be installed to monitor critical water resources in real time, with data shared on a real-time dashboard accessible to all participant farmers and the public online. The time-series model will calculate water budget projections, leading to actionable insights for the farmers.

Consortium: Whysor, Kiaar (K.J. Somaiya institute of applied agricultural research), Artesia, Solar Magic, Watermappers

14. Seawater Desalination (Jordan) [pilot project]

The Dutch company Delft Offshore Turbine B.V. intends to test a device that combines wind energy production with a reverse osmosis-based purification technology and state-of-the-art brine management. The device will produce high quality desalinated water along with electricity derived from wind energy. The project will be located in the port of Aqaba in Jordan, a country in dire need of water scarcity solutions.

15. Reducing water losses in utility systems’ (Kenya) [feasibility study]

The consortium Smart City Kenya will test the Upande Non-Revenue Water (NRW) system. This innovative combination of hardware and software aims to reduce water losses of utility systems through real-time, automatic water flow/pressure measurement. At the same time, consumers will be able to view their water consumption data via their smartphones. The consortium consists of Upande BV, TagMeter Systems BV, Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company Lt., KIWASCO and Runda Water.

16. Affordable recirculating aquaculture systems (Kenya)

Stichting Food System and Poverty Alleviation in Africa together with AquaFarmingConsult and Wageningen Universiteit en Research will execute a study in Kenya to determine if an affordable, solar-powered recirculating aquaculture systems (A-RAS) for small-scale fish farmers will be feasible. The low cost A-RAS system will reduce water consumption up to 90% compared with the existing method used by hundreds of fish farms in northern Kenya. At the same time fish production can increase by 40% contributing to the needs for proteins within the  local communities.  Existing A-RAS systems are too expensive for local fish farmers to purchase.

17. Tackling fluoride contamination (Kenya)

In Kenya’s Rift Valley, fluoride concentrations in water sources often exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines by 2 to 6 times. These elevated fluoride levels cause widespread skeletal and dental fluorosis among the local population. This project aims to provide affordable, safe, and clean drinking water at the household level by enhancing the existing Nazava Water Filter, which removes bacteria, with an add-on to effectively remove fluoride. By doing so, the project addresses both bacterial and fluoride contamination simultaneously.

Consortium: Resilience BV, Nazava Water Filters Ltd., Delft University of Technology and Harbauer Ltd. Kenya.

18. Flood prediction service (Malawi)

Northern Malawi has no detailed flood model or an early warning system. The floods in 2015, 2019 (due to tropical cyclone Idai) and 2022 (due to tropical storm Ana) had large humanitarian impacts and international assistance was required. Red Cross NL already developed an Impact Based Forecasting Platform. This platform however cannot be used for Flash Floods, as this needs other technology, high resolution flood modeling and accurate Weather Forecasting.  In this project HaskoningDHV and the Red Cross will demonstrate an Impact Based Flash Flood Forecasting in the IBF Portal. The platform will aid decision makers as well as communities and humanitarians to act before the occurrence of flash floods as well as helps to respond faster after the occurrence of flash floods.

19. Ecological breakwaters for a resilient coast (Mexico)

The Delft-based start-up ‘Reefy’ aims to address climate-change-induced challenges threatening the Mexican coastline and the Mesoamerican Reef. Their innovative solution, the ‘ReefBlock’, is a huge Lego-like block featuring a complex system of tunnels and can be assembled to form an underwater artificial reef. It serves not only as a foundation for reef growth but also as a submerged breakwater to protect the coastline. Reefy will undertake a detailed feasibility study in collaboration with local partners to assess the conditions and stakeholder interests, setting the groundwork for a future pilot project.

20. Circular water system in the city (Mexico)

Beccan Davila + Puentes together with Fields Factors will study the application of ‘BlueBlogs technology’ in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. During periods of rain the city suffers from floods while in the dry season the city experiences a shortage of water. Untreated water is stored underground but it pollutes the aquifers. The BlueBlogs solution allows the city to filter the water and can be applied as small scale interventions improving the urban landscape and the city water management step by step.

21. Water-efficient method for vegetable cultivation (Morocco) [pilot project]

There is a severe water shortage in the Souss-Massa plain in southwestern Morocco where agricultural activities use the most amount of water. Seed2Feed, Priva, Hortitech, the Agricultural University of Agadir and the Moroccan Fruit Export Association are addressing this issue together. They want to demonstrate a water-efficient method for vegetable growing that uses closed and manageable irrigation systems that recycle and disinfect water, eliminating the need for a growth medium, like soil.

22. Accessible open data on agricultural water consumption monitoring (Morocco)

The Eleaf project addresses the issue of water shortages in the Tensift Basin, Morocco, that hinder local agricultural development. The consortium aims to empower local authorities and professionals without prior GIS experience with better tools for law enforcement, planning, monitoring and advising on water management by converting complex high-resolution geographical data on agricultural water consumption into user-friendly dashboards. This should result in enhanced decision-making and planning for agricultural water management.

Consortium: Eleaf and Resing

23. Rewilding Namibian oceans (Namibia) [pilot project]

On a 1,5-hectare offshore site off the south coast of Namibia, Kelp Blue Holdfast B.V. will initiate a pilot project to cultivate giant kelp forests. The goal of the project is to absorb CO₂, deacidify the water, restore damaged ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. Kelp Blue will monitor and evaluate the project and test a business model for selling kelp-based products that would help to finance the project’s future expansion. The local community will also be closely involved as well as two Namibian universities.

24. Roads for landscape improvement (Nepal) [pilot project]

MetaMeta Research, FutureWater and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development will collaborate in order to address the declining and irregular flow of water springs in Nepal’s mountainous Dhankuta municipality. The project aims to protect and enhance natural springs while ensuring reliable water supplies and maintaining road infrastructure quality by reimagining roads as tools for landscape improvement. The Department of Local Infrastructure will oversee the projects implementation.

25. Powerful water pump (Nepal)

In Nepal, aQysta B.V. together with Agro-Eco Advisors, will demonstrate a zero emission pump consisting of a Kaplan turbine and a centrifugal pump. This pump can lift water up to 100 meters and irrigate agricultural land. Combined with using bio-fertilizers as foliar sprays, vermicomposting the soil will improve and can hold water much better. Additionally SWAR sub-surface irrigation technology provides a low-cost solution and will reduce water consumption. Finally the ‘Product-as-a-Service’ (PaaS) circular business model will ensure affordability for farmers.

26. Decentralised wastewater treatment (Philippines) [feasibility study]

Y-Consultancy will conduct a feasibility study to demonstrate the viability of their decentralised wastewater treatment (WWT) technology in Luzon, the largest island in The Philippines. This innovative solution is based on a ‘drainblock’: a water filter that works on a trickle-down method. The WWT technology is meant to improve the quality of water resources, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and serve as a blueprint for other communities in the region for improving their wastewater treatment.

27. Decentralised Wastewater Treatment (Philippines)

The Cleanblock pilot project addresses the critical challenge of wastewater management in Metro Manila, Philippines. Currently, only 30% of the wastewater is treated, posing severe environmental and health risks. The consortium aims to significantly improve water quality and public health by implementing the Cleanblock trickling filter technology to treat a substantial portion of the untreated wastewater. A former feasibility study has demonstrated promising results, with strong support from local partners eager to test the Cleanblock filters. By fostering ongoing collaborations and knowledge transfer, the project aims to expand the use of this technology across the Philippines, ensuring sustainable water management and environmental protection for the future.

Consortium:  Maynilad, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

28. Fungus removal from water for bananas (Philippines) [pilot project]

The company VGE has developed an innovative ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfection system, specifically meant to disinfect water from the fungus TR4 fusarium. This fusarium is an increasing threat for banana plantations around the world. Together with A-Banana Foundation (ABF), VGE will conduct a pilot project installing their TR4 disinfection system on a full-scale banana plantation in The Philippines. The objective is to achieve safe irrigation, resulting in improved water security for banana plantations.

29. Enhanced water retention in building facades (Portugal)

Portugal is on the frontline of Europe’s climate change impacts and faces more extreme weather each year. Densely built areas exacerbate these effects, increasing flooding risks and indoor and outdoor temperatures. The Rainmate® systems project is set to research the feasibility of a passive, scalable technology for enhanced water retention in building facades. The water retained by this system is used to help mitigate heat in urban areas and provides a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by climate change.

Consortium: Blue Innovations B.V., Neoturf Espaços Verdes and Flax Sarl.

30. Precision irrigation systems (Suriname)

Tijms B.V. and Attro Trading Africa aim to provide sustainable solutions for the problems that arise with unhealthy soil conditions. By improving the soil, they want to reduce flooding, drought, and salinization problems, increase crop yields and make the farmland more resilient. To achieve this, they will install solar-powered drip irrigation systems, use integrated farming practices, and transfer knowledge

31. Increased mangrove restoration (Suriname) [feasibility study]

Consortium partners Deltares, Boskalis, InterConnect, Conservation International Suriname and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname will study the feasibility of using sediments dredged from the Suriname river to accelerate mangrove restoration. Using sediments for intertidal area restoration is unique and promises to be an effective solution. In addition, lessons learned will be valuable for replicating and mainstreaming this restoration method in other regions.

32. GREENCHEM in Asian Water Treatment (Taiwan)

The GREENCHEM project aims to address challenges in algae-impaired water (AIW) treatment by introducing an innovative green chemical developed by FerrTech, named Fersol©. This sustainable alternative to traditional pre-chlorination enhanced coagulation offers improved water quality, lower treatment costs, reduced environmental impact, and simpler engineering. The project, conducted in Taiwan, will assess the feasibility of Fersol© for algae and algal toxin mitigation in local AIW for drinking purposes. During this feasibility study, the consortium will identify local treatment challenges, estimate improvements, evaluate the project’s strengths and weaknesses, and develop a pilot-scale implementation roadmap.

Consortium: IHE Delft, FERR-Tech, and others.

33. Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems with BESE-elements (United States of America)

This project addresses the challenges of restoring degraded ecosystems along the United States’ coastal zones by utilising BESE-elements developed by BESE. Their solution consists of a temporary structure crafted from biodegradable biopolymers, designed to provide a kickstart agent for restoring organisms crucial to the health of coastal ecosystems. Over time, these structures gradually degrade, creating space for the renewed ecosystem to flourish. During the pilot phase, the consortium will conduct field trials to determine the solution’s efficacy in restoring oyster reefs and salt marshes. This aims to assess the performance of their innovation and validate it before large-scale application can commence.

Consortium: RB Biobased Institute B.V., Bato Plastics B.V., Stichting NIOZ (Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut voor Onderzoek der Zee), the University of Florida, and the University of Central Florida

34. PROCAS (Vietnam)

PROCAS aims to enhance water quality, reduce pollution, and establish a sustainable business model by treating wastewater and converting waste streams from cassava processing into valuable resources in Vietnam. The consortium will design and construct a pilot plant to process cassava fruit juice and recover its proteins. This initiative seeks to reduce nitrogen emissions, improve water quality, and promote a circular economy. During the pilot phase, comprehensive on-site tests will be conducted to optimise processes, and an economic analysis will assess the project’s feasibility.

Consortium: Colubris Cleantech, Yenbinh, STAMEX, Meijer Consult

35. Rainwater filtration and water purification (Vietnam) [pilot project]

Wageningen University, WIC, PBI International, Can Tho University and Stepsvn Installation Company joined forces to test an innovative technology for rainwater filtration and water purification. The aim of the consortium is to remove waterborne diseases and pesticides in an efficient and cost-effective way. In doing so, they hope to increase water security in the Mekon Delta and provide the inhabitants with safe drinking water.

36. Sustainable adaptation to salt intrusion (Vietnam) [pilot project]

Consortium Mekong Salt Lab will test an operational model for smallholder farmers in the Mekong Delta. This solution includes a number of cutting-edge techniques and services that provide sustainable alternatives to effectively adapt to increasing salt intrusion in the region. This will also increase farmers livelihoods. The consortium consists of The Water Agency, The Salt Doctors, Acacia Water, SkillEd, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University, Kim Delta Vietnam and Tra Vinh University.

37. Aquifer storage and recovery system (Vietnam) [pilot project]

The HaWaSuCo, BGR and WWF consortium will begin a pilot project to implement a single aquifer storage and recovery system. It will be the first infiltration well in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The consortium aims to demonstrate its success, share the results, carry out marketability and cost-benefit analyses and engage stakeholders in scaling up. If successful, this innovative solution could have a significant impact on water security in the region.

38. Optimising irrigation and fertiliser application (Vietnam) [pilot project]

Fresh Studio, HollandDoor, Ridder Group and Royal Brinkman will conduct a pilot project to re-use drain water on two farms in Lam Dong province. Applying ViaLite and FertiMix technologies will reduce the spread of diseases and ensure plants receive the right amount of nutrients. The technologies will also eliminate drain water leakage, optimise irrigation and fertiliser applications, increase water availability and improve the regions quality of both fresh and groundwater

39. Portable Solar Pumps for Small-Scale Farmers (Zambia)

Zambia, like many Sub-Saharan countries, experiences long, dry seasons and increasingly unreliable rain patterns, leading to crop losses and food insecurity. Many small-scale farmers have fields near streams or shallow groundwater, and could double their production with efficient water distribution. New technology offers a solution: a locally assembled, portable solar pump, light enough for daily storage and affordable within one harvest. Jacana will redesign this pump for mass production and develop a sustainable supply chain involving small retailers, large importers, distributors, and NGOs to support small-scale farmers.

Consortium: MetaMeta, Jacana and SWAR (System of Water for Agricultural Rejuvenation)

Innovation in Progress

During the Partners for Water 2022 – 2027 programme, several projects receiving a Partners for Water subsidy are followed from start to finish. Over the next few years, they take you with them on their transformative journey. You’ll be able to gain insights into their promising solutions, innovative processes and collaborations with local partners, as well as their struggles, challenges and valuable lessons learned. Some of these projects include GLOW, SOSIA+ and Calzada del Aqua. Visit their project pages to follow their journey. Visit our newspage for other interesting articles about projects such as ROSPRO and MaRes.

Stay tuned and follow their journey through the Partners for Water website and our LinkedIn page!