Still one remaining subsidy round

We do hope we have inspired you to submit an innovative project idea! There is still one remaining subsidy round within the Partners for Water programme. If anything is unclear or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email . Remember to schedule a mandatory intake interview before 28 February. If you’ve already had your intake interview, then you’re ready to submit! This is possible until 28 March. Apply and find out whether your innovative water pilot or feasibility project will receive a financial boost.

1. Brine minimisation with SmartBrine (Brazil)

In response to increasing global water scarcity, Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination (SWRO) is a rapidly expanding industry. Currently, global brine production is rising, creating challenges for safe discharge and posing various environmental risks. This feasibility study aims to explore and test three technology routes: electrochlorination, mineral recovery and (blue/green) energy production, working towards an integrated brine valorisation strategy for developing on-site pilot systems in Brazil. The expected outcome includes an initial design for a pilot plant structure to implement brine minimisation valorisation (volume reduction and valuable resource recovery), while exploring additional SWRO brine valorisation processes. Consortium partners: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Royal HaskoningDHV, and Ceará State Water and Sewage Company (CAGECE).

2. Water quality monitoring with BlueBox (Brazil)

Water management authorities continue to face significant challenges in monitoring and detecting water pollution from various sources.

The BlueBox offers an innovative solution as a complete, onshore water quality monitoring system. Through a single water intake, it independently detects and locates discharged pollution from multiple sources. The system uses pre-determined data classifications to identify illegal discharges and trigger alerts, enabling effective regulatory enforcement. This pilot project will be demonstrated at CEDAE’s facilities in Brazil. Consortium partners: LG Sonic, Hydrovolta and CEDAE.

3. Managing aquifer storage and recovery (Colombia)

In Colombia’s Magdalena department, the Frio and Sevilla river basins form crucial water reserves connected by agricultural areas. While banana crops consume 71% of the water demand, severe surface water shortages during the dry season are causing tensions among users and threatening local biodiversity.
This project applies an innovative Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) technology adapted for saline environments. Using the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) method, groundwater wells will both inject and recover water from the aquifer. This approach enables water storage during the rainy season for utilisation during dry periods. Building on a 2023 feasibility study, funded by Partners for Water, this pilot will demonstrate practical solutions for sustainable water management in the region.
Consortium partners: Deltares, KWR, Fundación Herencia Ambiental Caribe, Banasan.

4. Integrated Water and Sewerage Information Management System (Fiji)

Fiji’s Department of Water and Sewerage (DWS) faces significant water management challenges due to fragmented data systems, leading to inefficiencies and poor compliance with regulatory mandates.

AKVO Foundation will pilot IWSIMS (Integrated Water and Sewerage Information Management System), a cost-effective and technically sustainable data management system. The solution offers multiple data entry options including web forms, mobile apps, and SMS-based reporting, making data collection more accessible. This comprehensive system will improve water quality monitoring, reduce non-revenue water losses, and minimize environmental risks while enhancing DWS’s ability to manage water resources effectively and comply with regulations.

Consortium partners: AKVO Foundation in collaboration with Fiji’s Department of Water and Sewerage (DWS).

5. (Weather)radar for Africa (Ghana)

Access to accurate rainfall data and weather forecasts remains a significant challenge across Africa as traditional weather radar systems are prohibitively expensive. This particularly affects farmers who need reliable weather information for optimal crop management.

This pilot project introduces an innovative ‘rain-weather service’ that utilises commercial microwave links (CMLs) to measure rainfall intensity through signal disruption patterns. This cost-effective solution will provide accurate rainfall maps and short-term forecasts through multiple platforms – web, feature phones and smartphones. The service will include both a free platform and a subscription-based option with SMS notifications and in-app features. This technology enables farmers to optimise planting, harvesting and irrigation schedules, resulting in improved water management and crop protection. Consortium partners: Rainboo BV, TU Delft, TAHMO.

6. Sustainable water management in the batik industry (Indonesia)

Indonesia’s traditional batik industry faces considerable water management problems, with current production methods often leading to high water consumption and negative environmental impacts at both workshop and community (kampung) levels.

This two-year pilot project will develop and demonstrate an innovative, sustainable model for batik production. The first phase focuses on testing water conservation, sustainable water sourcing and wastewater treatment solutions at selected “Green Batik Champion” workshops. The second phase will expand these solutions and establish a Green Batik Centre at Universitas Pekalongan, creating a hub for sustainable batik production practices. Consortium partners: The Water Agency, Resilience BV, Saxion University (International Water Technology), Vitens Evides International (VEI), Universitas Pekalongan (UNIKAL), Rietland.

7. Real-time flood and landslide disaster dashboard (Indonesia)

Indonesia’s vulnerability to floods and landslides requires rapid disaster response, yet current monitoring methods lack timely, accurate, and spatially precise data, resulting in ineffective disaster management.

FloodTags and Radboud University (Centre of Language Studies) are developing ‘HazTags’, an innovative Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution leveraging Large Language Models that understand context, nuances and emotions in text to extract and process critical information from media documents, providing real-time analysis of flood and landslide disasters. Through an accessible dashboard and API, the system identifies critical information such as breach locations, spatial extent, infrastructure damage, impacted logistics, rescue needs and more.

Consortium partners: FloodTags, Radboud University (Centre of Language Studies).

8. Affordable Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Kenya)

Due to drought conditions fish farmers in Nyeri County, Kenya who rely on traditional open ponds face significant challenges. Building on a previous Partners for Water feasibility study, this pilot project employs affordable Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (A-RAS) designed to reduce water consumption by 95-98% compared to current pond systems. The solution combines innovative sand filters and microbubble technology with low-cost monitoring systems to measure essential parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH and conductivity. Real-time notifications enable farmers to intervene straightaway, ensuring efficient farm operations while minimising resource use. Consortium partners: Stichting Food Systems and Poverty Alleviation-Africa (FOSPA-Africa).

9. Improving water catchment and retainment of agricultural soil (Morocco)

In Morocco’s Boulemane region, rain fed agriculture struggles with severe droughts, with poor soil conditions limiting water retention and agricultural productivity.
This pilot project implements an innovative, Nature-based Solution for improving water catchment and retention in agricultural soils at the farm level. The approach combines rain and flood analyses, advanced software and engineering and local knowledge to strategically modify soil structures. By integrating organic waste valorisation and landscape restoration techniques into existing agricultural practices, the project demonstrates how natural processes can enhance water management. This pilot project aims to validate the approach for potential large-scale implementation by government actors and agrifood companies throughout Morocco. The consortium intends to offer services and technology, validated in this project, to governmental organisations and agrifood companies throughout the country.

Consortium partners: Spaak Circular Solutions, The Weather Makers.

10. Smart productive forests (Nepal)

In Nepal, land degradation, monoculture cropping, road construction and illegal logging have reduced the land’s ability to retain water, leading to increased runoff, erosion and diminished water management capacity.

The Green Intelligence B.V., in co-creation with local communities, is piloting sustainable agroforestry and bioengineering practices. These include planting trees as a Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to increase biomass, decrease runoff, stabilise the soils and enhance water storage. Through a web portal, farmers can register their planted trees and receive direct financial rewards via carbon credits. The system provides customised tree care advice and uses AI to detect tree-related events such as species identification and disease. The portal also facilitates data export for carbon credit registration, connecting farmers to international carbon financing opportunities.

Consortium partner: The Green Intelligence B.V.

11. Flood forecasting and real-time emergency response (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s severe weather events in 2023, causing flash floods, landslides and widespread disruption, highlighted the need for enhanced impact-based flood forecasting and emergency response systems to better protect communities and ecosystems.

Hydrologic and partners will pilot SAFER (Service for Advanced Flood Emergency Response), a comprehensive flood forecasting and response service that integrates proven data and technology with cutting-edge machine learning methods and local protocols. The system uses advanced data processing techniques and employs high-performance cloud computing and Long Short-Term Memory neural networks, enabling models to run over 1,000 times faster than traditional methods. This innovative service aims to transforms flood- and extreme weather preparedness and response capabilities, delivering a service that is scalable and currently unavailable to water managers.

Consortium partners: Hydrologic, World Water Academy, Water Technology, MetService (National Weather Service of New Zealand).

12. Erosion prevention along river shores (Paraguay)

Along the Paraguay River, increased navigation traffic is generating waves that cause severe erosion of riverbanks, threatening both local ecosystems and the livelihoods of riverine communities. This pilot project introduces an innovative Nature-based Solution using wave-damping mats constructed from locally available trees. Unlike conventional grey infrastructure, these mats offer a sustainable, cost-effective and adaptable approach to erosion prevention while improving river ecosystems. The solution is designed to be easily replicated and maintained by local communities, ensuring long-term sustainability and community empowerment. Consortium partners: WWF Netherlands, Stroming, HKV.

13. Long Distance Irrigation Management System (Tunisia)

Tunisia’s agriculture and horticulture sectors face significant challenges due to water scarcity, requiring water-saving measures that limit surface run-off, underground flows, and evaporation while maximising efficient use of scarce water resources.

HaiaSolutions and its partner Laboratoire Laser Afrique are piloting LDIMS (Long-Distance Irrigation Management System), an innovative laser-based irrigation scheduling tool that uses optical probes to measure field-wide transpiration levels. By monitoring plant transpiration as a direct indicator of water needs, the system determines the exact amount and timing of irrigation required for optimal plant development, regardless of the irrigation method of the farmer. The technology is developed with local expertise and materials in combination with Dutch NWO equipment and support. During the pilot, it will be tested across various irrigation methods, as well as desert-like conditions.

Consortium partner: HaiaSolutions, Laboratoire Laser Afrique

14. Conserving water in the banana industry (Philippines)

Using a biodegradable wetting agent, Aqua Aid Europe and Innotechma Holding are exploring an innovative solution that could reduce agricultural water consumption by up to 39%. Following successful laboratory tests in the Netherlands, this feasibility study will evaluate the agent’s effectiveness in real-world conditions at a controlled banana plantation setting in the Philippines. Consortium partners: Aqua Aid Europe, Innotechma Holding.

Conserving water in the banana industry

15. Green Rivers in Can Tho (Vietnam)

Pollution and ecosystem degradation pose serious threats to Can Tho’s urban waterways affecting both environmental and community wellbeing.
Building on successful initial prototyping, CLEAR RIVERS is developing an innovative solution that transforms collected plastic waste into floating vegetated landscapes (‘floatlands’) for the city’s canals. The project will develop three enhanced prototypes, with at least one being implemented and tested in the Rạch Cái Khế canal. These floating wetlands serve multiple purposes: improving water quality, restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. The final design will provide a blueprint for scaling up to a larger pilot initiative, demonstrating how urban waste can be transformed into sustainable environmental solutions. Consortium partners: CLEAR RIVERS.

16. Discharge monitoring in remote areas (Zambia)

This feasibility study explores an innovative, affordable solution for river discharge monitoring using image-based technology. The project will develop a scalable monitoring service featuring a camera made entirely from do-it-yourself components. This cost-effective approach aims to improve flood and drought forecasting, enabling better decision-making and early warning systems in remote areas where traditional monitoring methods are impractical. Consortium partners: Rainbow Sensing, LocalDevices Technologies, Photrack

17. .AI-powered water culture monitoring system (Zambia)

Monitoring fish health and growth is a critical concern for Zambia’s traditional fish farming industry. This leads to inefficient feeding practices, compromised water quality and reduced farm productivity. TilapAI, a Dutch startup, has developed an innovative AI-powered monitoring system using dual-camera setups and deep learning algorithms. This non-invasive solution continuously monitors fish health and estimates weight in real-time, enabling early disease detection in large fish populations. The system optimises feeding strategies through precise growth data, reducing waste and negative impacts on water quality while improving overall farm efficiency.
Consortium partners: TilapAI.

Today, numerous NGOs, governmental organisations, and companies work on solving water issues. While collaboration could be beneficial, they often need to meet first. Therefore, on June 27 in The Hague, we organised our first matchmaking event to strengthen collaboration between consortia planning to apply for subsidies for innovative water projects. The event featured presentations and pitches from recently funded projects under the Partners for Water Subsidy Scheme.

In the invitation, participants could specify what they wanted to learn from others and which topics they could assist with. This led to a diverse and specific list of topics, making matching participants challenging. Some participants could pair one-on-one, while others needed group tables for better interaction.

Finding the right partner

On 27 June, at the partnerships table, participants discussed how hard it can be to maintain worthwhile and lasting partnerships while operating abroad. ‘We make sure to physically meet potential partners abroad to figure out if they’re really trustworthy’, one participant said. Another explained: ‘Dutch embassies can play a role in making assessments like these.’

A participant working in Vietnam explained: ‘We benefit from partnering with a university, because the provinces we work with trust the university. Our partnership with them is the result of contacting the coordination office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.’ A participant who is also active in Vietnam explained that hiring a Young Expert Professional (YEP) can also help: ‘This person helps us to understand what the local parties we collaborate with need, she speaks the language and understands the culture.’

Connecting for sustainability: insights from the Nature-based Solutions table

The Nature-based Solutions table was particularly popular, attracting several organisations to the discussion. After brief introductions, it became clear that some participants would benefit from one-on-one conversations. They moved around the table to sit next to each other, exchanging ideas and contacts.

In one of those conversations, a founder of the NGO Feedback Of The Future explained how the organisation uses regenerative practices and collaborative partnerships to foster farming communities in Kenya and East Africa. ‘We rehabilitate landscapes by planting plants, trees, and shrubs to mimic a subtropical food forest. We give farmers technical support, build new soil profiles and look for local solutions. This way we make the farming cycle more sustainable.’

Reflections on a dynamic matchmaking event

With almost 50 participants attending the matchmaking event and chatting animatedly, we hope that everyone can look back on a successful event. We aimed to provide you with more information on the Partners for Water subsidy scheme, as we strive to make the application process easier. Did we succeed or do you have any feedback? Please let us know your thoughts by sending us an email.

Kick off – eight new subsidised projects

The second part of the event was a kick off for eight projects that have recently received financial support through the Partners for Water Subsidy Scheme. A lot of the matchmaking participants stayed to see the presentations of these new projects. It gave them valuable insights into what other organisations are doing and what they aim to achieve with their innovative water project, with the help of a Partners for Water subsidy.

For example, Wouter Lengkeek from BESE Ecosystem Restoration Projects presented his organisation’s project on restoring degraded ecosystems along the coastal zones of the United States. BESE does this by using temporary biodegradable and circular structures crafted from biopolymers, providing a kickstart for restoring organisms in struggling salt marshes, mangroves and shellfish reefs. Erik van der Putte, Project manager at WaterMappers, also gave a presentation about the organisation’s work on mapping underground water resources in India. He explained how WaterMappers helps farmers to increase yields and reduce risks by providing volumetric water budgets through real-time, sensor-based time series modelling. For more information on the projects, check out our website.

Still two remaining subsidy rounds

There are still two remaining subsidy rounds within the Partners for Water programme. If something is still unclear or if you have any questions, please reach out to us by sending us an email. Please schedule a mandatory intake interview  before 15 August. Have you already had your intake interview? Then you’re ready to apply! Apply and find out whether your innovative water pilot of feasibility project will receive a financial boost.

Next matchmaking event!

On 23 January 2025, we will organise another matchmaking event. Stay tuned for more information. We will inform you about this event via our website, newsletter and LinkedIn page.

The Partners for Water subsidy scheme explained

Partners for Water has granted subsidies to 10 Dutch entrepreneurs and research institutions. This is the result of the first round of subsidies under the Partners for Water 5 (2022-2027) programme.

On January 25, the parties met in The Hague and presented the projects for which they received subsidies. In close cooperation with local partners, they will use their innovation power to make a positive contribution to water security in different countries in the coming years. For these feasibility studies and pilot projects, the organisations will work in Eswatini, Ghana (2), Nepal, Suriname, Ecuador, Malawi, Colombia, Kenya, and Mexico. Both returning and new organisations have applied for funding.

The 10 projects

Below you can read about the 10 participating organisations and their innovative pilot projects and feasibility studies on water safety and water security.

Water availability forecaster (Eswatini)
The consortium HydroLogic (the Netherlands), Emanti Management (South Africa), and FutureWater (the Netherlands) will launch a pilot project for the GLOW water availability forecaster. This service will provide water managers with information, warnings, and advice on current and expected water availability and demand. This will support water managers in Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa in taking mitigating actions on water availability.

Climate-smart irrigation system (Ghana)
The Technical University of Delft aims to further develop its innovative climate-smart irrigation system through a pilot project. This system provides farmers in Ghana with smart irrigation techniques that are provided with information from local weather stations. Farmers who have used the system so far experience 25% less usage and 15% more harvest.

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.

Powerful water pump (Nepal)
Together with Himalaya Agro-ecology Research and Development and Agro-Eco Advisors, aQysta B.V. is starting a study on the use of an energy-efficient and powerful water pump to irrigate higher-altitude lands and improve soil quality of Nepalese farmland. Combined with increasing the organic materials on the farmlands, it is expected that participating farmers will use 25% less water and increase their income by 200% within two years.

Flood prediction service (Malawi)
In Malawi, HaskoningDHV is launching a feasibility study on the use of their flood prediction service. This service is designed to be used by governments, aid agencies, and individuals. It allows users to monitor and predict floods in real-time and to receive warnings up to 12 hours in advance. This information will give people more time to evacuate in the event of a flood.

The use of natural groundwater buffers (Colombia)
The Colombian agricultural region Bananera experiences a severe water shortage during the dry season. To improve water security, the option to use underground water wells for storage is being studied by Deltares. During the rainy season, excess fresh water is infiltrated and stored through the wells to be used when a water shortage occurs. The research aims to assess the conditions and risks for storing and recovering fresh water in the subsurface, and to pre-design an Aquifer Storage and Recovery system for one of the local banana farms.

Affordable recirculating aquaculture systems (Kenya)
In Kenya, a consortium of the Wageningen Research, AquaFarmingConsult, EKAS Technologies, FOSPA-Africa, Laikipia University, KMFRI and Nyeri Fish Farmers Cooperative S. (LTD) will conduct a feasibility study for the use of affordable, solar-powered recirculating aquaculture systems (A-RAS) for small-scale fish farmers. This is aimed at reducing the water usage of the fish farmers by up to 90% and increasing their production capacity by 40 times. Not only will this improve the business model of the fish farmers, but it will also improve the food security of the community.

Circular water systems in cities (Mexico)
In Oaxaca de Juarez, the architecture firm Beccan Davila is partnering with Field Factors and the Mexican research institute Centro to conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of BlueBlogs in the city. Combining this innovation with proper urban planning, makes it possible to create a circular water system and add green spaces in the city. Excess rainwater can be stored and filtered in green spaces and used during times of drought.

Monitoring and combating algae (Ecuador)
In Ecuador, LG Sonic B.V. has started a pilot project to tackle the growth of algae in shrimp ponds. To counteract the algae bloom, the water quality will be constantly monitored. The resulting data will be used to predict the algae bloom and to combat the growth of the algae with specific ultrasonic sound waves.

Smart reuse of wastewater (Ghana)
Bureau M2 B.V. is conducting a feasibility study to explore the conversion of wastewater into irrigation water. The wastewater will be filtered through either sand or carbon, and the plant ‘Helofyt’. The resulting organic material will be converted into compost, while the remaining filtered water will be used for irrigation.

Do you want to participate in the next funding round?

There are still two subsidy rounds. Pleaes visit the subsidy scheme webpage for more information.

Partners for Water has granted subsidies to eight consortia aiming to enhance water security abroad with innovative solutions. This is the result of the fourth round of subsidies under the Partners for Water 2022-2027 programme. The scheme provides an opportunity for companies, knowledge institutions, and NGOs in the water sector to research and test their approaches to sustainable water management. The organisations that have been granted a subsidy will work in Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Kenya, Taiwan, the United States of America and Zambia.

The 8 subsidised projects

Discover the 8 participating organisations and their innovative pilot projects and feasibility studies on water security below.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

Would you like to participate in the next subsidy round?

The subsidy scheme aims to support innovative projects from entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and NGOs in the Dutch water sector that improve water security abroad. A new subsidy round opened in June and will be closed in September 2024. To be eligible, you can apply now for the mandatory intake interview.

Today, we proudly presented the Partners for Water Award 2024 to FieldFactors during Waterproof 2024. The innovative BlueBloqs solution designed by FieldFactors transformed rainwater management in Valladolid, Spain. Over 300 people voted to recognise the impact of the three nominated projects that were funded by the PVW-IVWW subsidy scheme and which contributed to global water security.

Over the last two months, national and international water professionals have had the chance to vote for one of the three nominated projects, funded by the Partners for Water subsidy scheme. This scheme promotes the use of innovative techniques, services and methodologies devised by the Dutch water sector in order to increase water security abroad. The nominated projects not only envisioned change, but also made an impact with their innovative water solutions.

Winner of the Partners for Water Award 2024

We are delighted to announce that this year’s winner of the Partners for Water Award 2024 is FieldFactors, for its innovative BlueBloqs that transformed rainwater management in Valladolid, Spain. By combining design, engineering, water science and technology, FieldFactors implemented a Nature-based Solution to address flooding and periods of drought at Valladolid’s Zorrilla Football Stadium.

The BlueBloqs system collects and treats rainwater for direct use and underground storage, reducing flooding risks and operational costs for Real Valladolid and ensuring a reliable water source during dry months. The project aligns with the broader objectives of the Partners for Water programme, showcasing the power of innovative Nature-based Solutions in urban water management.

Transforming rainwater management in Valladolid with BlueBloqs – Field Factors

For more information about the project click on this link.

Runners-up of the Partners for Water Award 2024

We would also like to congratulate Nelen & Schuurmans and Royal HaskoningDHV as this year’s runners-up for the Partners for Water Award 2024. Nelen & Schuurmans significantly advanced flood prediction in Taipei by providing residents with vital risk information through advanced cloud computing. Royal HaskoningDHV contributed to water security through innovative sandscaping in Bacton, England, providing immediate coastal protection with digital twin technology.

Subsidy as a catalyst for sustainable water management

Each winner of this year’s awards were brilliant examples of how the PVW-IVWW subsidy scheme has been instrumental in bringing innovative water management solutions to life. These projects, spanning from 2017 to 2022, have utilised the subsidy as a launchpad for testing, adapting and perfecting their innovations in real-world settings.

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