EPA Water Research
Safe Water & Innovative Technologies
Alice Wemaere
Environmental Protection Agency
Showcasing Ireland’s Water & Waste Water Research
Enterprise Ireland, 7th May 2014
Overview
 Background (EPA Research)
 EPA STRIVE Water Research 2007-2013
 EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
 National Linkages
 International Linkages
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Background (EPA Research)
Research  Environmental
Protection
Identifying Pressures
Informing Policy
Developing Solutions
EPA STRIVE Water Research 2007-2013
Key Achievements
Informs policy and assists in meeting targets
• Provides policy support to WFD & MSFD
• Measures for reducing Phosphorus and Nitrogen input to water
Developing practical applications
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Pilot Scale Wastewater Centre (NUIG)
Containment of water borne disease outbreak (Galway 2007, OECD 2009)
Guidance for Single house wastewater treatment
New technologies (nano) to remove pollutants
Capacity Development
• Over 70 EPA Research Reports, 36% above world average peer review
• 200 researchers since 2007 (~ 70 Full-time PhD, post-Doc)
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EPA STRIVE Water Research 2007-2013
Practical Application
Guidance for Single house wastewater treatment
Problem Identified 
Research Conducted 
Guidance Issued
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
EPA Water Research
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
EPA Research Strategy
 7 workshops held in 2013 (May-Sept 2013)
 Over 600 attendees
 Over 140 submissions received & assessed
 Summary report published (Env. Protection Through
Research)
 Public Consultation (Dec. 2013)
 Over 50 further submissions received
 To be published shortly
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
EPA Water Research
Focus on significant fundamental knowledge gaps, measures to
support relevant water policy and the development of new
technologies to protect our water environment, contributing to
excellent water quality in Ireland
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Water Today (EPA, 2012)
Some Improvements in water quality
 71% of river channel is at good or high status,
 General reduction in nitrate concentrations in groundwater over the
period 2007-2012,
 46.6% of lakes is of high or good status (2008-2010)
Many pressures remain
 Number of high status sites halved in the last 21 years from almost
30% in the 1987-1990 period to less than 17% in 2007-2009.
 Nutrient enrichment principal cause of water pollution in Ireland
(agricultural run-off and discharges from municipal waste water
treatment plants)
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Water Challenges (EPA, 2012)
Some challenges for water quality management are…
1.
2.
3.
Eliminating pollution associated with large & small point sources (e.g.
Urban wastewater treatment plants; Domestic wastewater treatment
systems);
Tackling diffuse pollution (e.g. pollution from farming); and
Using the full range of legislative measures to achieve better water
quality.
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
WQ Status in IE / EU Countries
based on EEA website data
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Challenges & Rationale
Key
Challenges
Point Source
Pollution
Diffuse
Pollution
UGEE issues
Legislative
measures to
achieve
better water
quality
Policy Rationales/Input
International Conventions, ECJ cases,
Directives
EPA Reports, SOE, Strategy
Stakeholders input
National Context (Forfas Priority areas,
Harvest 2020)
International Context (Horizon 2020,
7th EAP, EU Blueprint etc)
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Policy Driver
D. Daly, 2012
Water Framework Directive
Setting the Framework
Supplementary Measures
Buffer zones,
riparian areas
UWWT Directive, Nitrates
Directive
Waste Directive (DWWTSs
Bill)
Addressing key
pressures
Non-legislative Policies
Water scarcity & droughts
Adaptation to climate change
Resource use efficiency
CAP Implementation
Groundwater Directive
EQSs Directive
Floods Directive
Completing the
Framework
Extending the scope
IPPC, Bathing Water, Habitats, Birds,
Drinking Water, Major Accidents
(Seveso), EIA, Sewage Sludge and
Plant Protection Products Directives
Basic Measures
EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
EPA Water Research 2014
Theme-1: Safe Water
 Theme-2: Ecosystem Services and Sustainability
 Theme-3: Innovative Water Technologies
 Theme-4: Understanding, Managing and Conserving our Water
Resources
Theme-5: Emerging & Cross-Cutting Issues
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Safe Water…
Emerging pollutants, priority substances, endocrine disruptors and
emerging risks such as pathogens (including antibiotic resistant bacteria
and viruses), cyanotoxins and nanomaterials.
 Environmental behaviour in surface water, treated waters and
groundwater
 Impact on human health through the irrigation of crops, water
supply, distribution and storage in rural or urban environments.
 Climate change, natural hazards and extreme events such as
droughts and floods.
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Safe Water…
This thematic area will:
 Provide a better understanding of the fate and behaviour of new or
poorly understood contaminants and their impacts on water quality
 Improve our resilience to climate change, extreme events and
natural hazards.
 Develop a better understanding of the socio-economic aspects,
governance and behavioural changes
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Future Research
Over 100 ideas
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Research
Areas 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Research Topics
EPA Research
Minimizing risks associated with water
infrastructure and natural hazards
Future Research
Early Warning / Risk Management Systems
Natural Hazards
Water Infrastructure
Priority substances, emerging pollutants and
contaminants, including behaviour, treatment
and human impacts
Reducing Impacts
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment & Treatment
Treatment & Removal
Socio-economic considerations, governance and Behavioural Change
behavioural changes
Data management and Tools
Governance & Good Practice
Impacts of water charges
Water Consumption
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Future Research
 Priority substances, emerging pollutants and contaminants, including
behaviour, treatment and human impacts
 Water JPI Joint Call 2013 – Projects to be awarded in 2014
 Socio-economic considerations, governance and behavioural changes
 2014 EPA Research Water Call @ Scoping stage
 Minimising risks associated with water infrastructure, climate
change, extreme events and natural hazards
 2014 EPA Research Water Call @ Scoping stage
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Innovative Technologies
Innovative technologies are required by the water industry to create
products and services
 contribute to improving the quantity and quality of water bodies
 used in a more efficient way;
 gain a better understanding of the socio-economic aspects,
governance and behavioural changes associated with this area.
The objectives of this research area are aligned with the aims of the
European “Resource Efficiency Roadmap”.
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Innovative Technologies
This thematic area will:
 Developing novel treatment and distribution options and improving
water systems efficiency
 Development of sensor networks and real-time information systems
in the water cycle and improved water treatment technologies.
 Increasing water resource efficiency.
 Gaining a better understanding of the socio-economic aspects,
governance and behavioural changes associated within this area
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Future Research
Zero discharge systems
Optimising biogas generation from
sewage sludge
Treating wastewater sludge as a
resource rather than a waste
Anthropogenic nutrient solution
(Source – separated, Fermented
Anaerobic Digestion Anaerobic
digestion of sewage sludge
Phytoremediation
Nano-technology for advanced
treatment
Bubbleless aeration for Aerobic
wastewater treatment
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
Research
Relevant
Research
Relevant
EPA Public Consultation
Research
Relevant
Optimising biogas generation from
sewage sludge to increase energy
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
Research
Relevant
Biogas clean-up and utilisation
EPA Public Consultation
Research
Relevant
Research
Relevant
Research
Relevant
Very high rates high solids: Anaerobic
digestion of sewage sludge
Research
Relevant
Anaerobic digestion + tertiary nutrient
Research
Relevant
Phytoremediation wastewater treatment
Research
Relevant
Nano-technology for advanced treatment
Research
Relevant
Bubbleless aeration for aerobic wastewater
treatment (energy efficient)
2013 Topics and Various
submissions
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
EPA Water Research
Planning Workshop
Closed loop systems
Zero discharge systems
Over
150 ideas
Treating wastewater sludge as a resource
rather than a waste - developping suitable
The use of Anthropogenic nutrient
solution (Source – separated, Fermented
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Research Areas
Research Topics
EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Advanced treatment & resources Domestic Wastewater Treatment / Septic Tanks
recovery in wastewater treatment Effects of extreme weather
Energy harnessing and management
Infrastructure - Sewers
Resource Recovery
Water Treatment
Development of more reliable and Data management
affordable water quality
EWS-Risk/Fault Assessment
monitoring systems
Monitoring (Quantity and Quality)
Remote monitoring/real-time
Development of robust, smart and Distribution/Storage
cost-effective technological
Energy harnessing and management
solutions for water distribution & EWS-Risk/Fault Assessment
storage
Graywater
Monitoring of water use & quality
Water Treatment
Socio-economic considerations,
Education
governance and behavioural
Governance & Good Practice
changes
Prioritising capital investment for best environmental
outcomes
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Public Perception
Future Research
EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Future Research
 Advanced treatment & resources recovery
 Socio-economic considerations, governance and behavioural changes
 Development of more reliable and affordable water quality
monitoring systems
 Development of robust, smart and cost-effective technological
solutions
 2014 EPA Research Water Call @ Scoping stage
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EPA Research 2014-2020: Water Pillar
Emerging & Cross-Cutting
Issues
 Emerging policy and implementation research needs in relation to
the implementation of the WFD and MSFD
 Multi-agency trans-boundary programme of research on
Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration &
Extraction (UGEE)
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National Linkages
National Funding Landscape
National Water Research Coordination Group
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International Linkages
European Linkages & Funding
 WssTP
 Water JPI
 EIP on Water
 Horizon 2020
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International Linkages
WssTP
www.wstp.eu
Promote coordination and collaboration of Research and
Innovation in the European water sector, improving at the
same time its competitiveness.
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International Linkages
WssTP
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International Linkages
WssTP
www.wstp.eu
WssTP Working Groups are key to the functioning, objectives, and
implementation of the WssTP strategy.
 Collaboration and coordination on water-related challenges dealing with
RTD&I,
 Improvement of global market opportunities for the European water-related
technology, service, and knowledge providers, and
 Promotion of consortium opportunities
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International Linkages
WssTP
WssTP Working Groups:
 Financing for EU Competitiveness
 Water & ICT
 Water-Energy-Food Biodiversity Nexus
 International Relations
 Water and Industry
 Resource Recovery
 Membrane Technologies
 Emerging Compounds
www.wstp.eu
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International Linkages
WssTP
WssTP Working Groups ctd:
 Urban Water Pollution
 Bathing Water
 Agriculture & Irrigation
 Eco-System Services
 Green Infrastructure
 Managing Hydroclimatic Extremes Events
 Shales Gas
 Techwatch
www.wstp.eu
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International Linkages
Water JPI: Vision
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International Linkages
Water JPI Research Questions
www.waterjpi.eu
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International Linkages
Water JPI Update
 Update of the SRIA
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International Linkages
Research Needs
Smart water
technologies
Technological solutions
(including biological
processes)
Energy water nexus
Water reuse
Water energy form
ground
Product recovery
Innovation barriers
Asset management
Development of analytical techniques for
groups of substances
Disinfection byproducts, Emerging pollutants
and pathogens, including their
environmental effects
Exploiting ageing urban water systems for
dependable and cost-effective service
Towards urban flood proof cities
Improvement in the performance of water
systems
Impact of water scarcity on safe drinking
water
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International Linkages
Water JPI Update
 Horizon 2020 ERAnets
 2014: this call should support research and innovation developing
technological solutions and services for water distribution and
measurement, waste water treatment and reuse, desalination,
floods and droughts etc.
 08/04/2014
 2015: the call should support research and innovation on sustainable
water use in agriculture, to increase water use efficiency and reduce
soil and water pollution.
 Deadline is April 2015
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International Linkages
EIP Water
 Speed up innovations that contribute to solving societal challenges
 Enhance Europe's competitiveness
 Contribute to job creation and economic growth
EIPs help to pool expertise and resources by bringing together public and private
actors at EU, national and regional level, combining supply- and demand-side
measures
8 Priorities
 5 priorities (Water reuse and recycling, water & wastewater treatment,
water/energy, flood and drought, ecosystem services)
 3 cross-cutting (governance, decision support, financing for innovation)
http://www.eip-water.eu/
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International Linkages
EIP Water
Action Groups:
• voluntary multi-stakeholder
• develop, test, scale up, disseminate and stimulate the uptake of innovations by the
market and society
• formalised via Calls for Expression of Commitment.
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Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor for Recovery of Energy and Resources (AG036)
ARREAU - Accelerating Resource Recovery from Water Cycle (AG108)
AugMent - Water Monitoring for Decision Support (AG124)
CITY BLUEPRINTS - Improving Implementation Capacities of Cities and Regions
(AG041)
 COWAMA - Mitigation of Water Stress in Coastal Zones by Sust. Water Mngd
(AG111)
http://www.eip-water.eu/working-groups/action-groups
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International Linkages
EIP Water
Action Groups ctd:
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Ctrl+Swan - Monitoring and smart water network (AG126)
DISSME - Demand-Driven Innovation Support for SMEs via NNWPs (AG131)
EBCF - European Benchmark Cooperation Foundation (AG125)
ESE - Ecosystem Services for Europe (AG052)
EWW - Energy and Water Works - energizing sustainable deltas (AG115)
FinnoWater (AG013)
InduRe - Industrial Water Re-use and Recycling (AG045)
MAR Solutions - Managed Aquifer Recharge Strategies and Actions (AG128)
MEET-ME4water - Meeting Microbial Electrochemistry for water (AG110)
MSWTP - Modular low-cost concept for WWTPs design and build (AG118)
http://www.eip-water.eu/working-groups/action-groups
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International Linkages
EIP Water
Action Groups ctd:
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PVAIZEC - Large PV Pumping Systems for zero energy irrigation (AG103)
Renewable Energy Desalination (AG025)
RESEWAM-O - Remote sensing for water management optimization (AG132)
RTWQM - Real Time Water Quality Monitoring (AG100)
SPADIS - Smart Prices and Drought Insurance Schemes in Mediterranean Countries
(AG014)
W4EF - Framework for evaluation and reporting of the energy impacts on water
(AG029)
Water Justice (AG117)
WaterCoRe - Regional governance of water scarcity and drought issues (AG042)
WaterReg - Water services regulation and governance in Europe (AG102)
WIRE - Water & Irrigated agriculture Resilient Europe (AG112)
http://www.eip-water.eu/working-groups/action-groups
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International Linkages
Why get involved?
 Joint development and transfer of innovation
 Visibility and exposure
 Network opportunities
 Support policy development to remove barriers to innovation
 Access to water and innovation related information
 Influence Horizon 2020 WPs
 Working on projects that are linked to these initiatives will
increase the chances for EU funding
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International Linkages
H2020 Societal Challenges
Research Area
Health, demographic change and wellbeing
Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine
and maritime and inland water research, and the
Bioeconomy
Secure, clean and efficient energy
Smart, green and integrated transport
Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw
materials
Secure societies - protecting freedom and security of Europe
and its citizens
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International Linkages
Horizon 2020 - Focus Areas
Twelve focus areas - five linked to 'Climate action,
environment, resource efficiency and raw materials’:
• Waste: A resource to recycle, reuse and recover raw
materials
• Water innovation: Boosting its value for Europe
• Energy-efficiency
• Disaster-resilience: Safeguarding society and adapting to
climate change
• Blue growth: Unlocking the potential of the oceans
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International Linkages
Water Innovation Call
 Boost EU competitiveness, growth and jobs in EU water sector
 Position Europe as a global market leader in water related
innovative solutions
 Reinforcing Innovation in EU Water sector (innovation capacity
and market uptake of RTD results) will contribute to major EU and
global objectives
 Support the needs of relevant EU water, innovation and resource
efficient policies, water related initiatives and international
commitments: EIP Water, EIP Agriculture, JPI on Water, SPIRE
PPP, IPCC, Rio+20, etc.
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International Linkages
2015 Topics
 Bridging the gap: from innovative water solutions to market
replication
 Integrated approaches to food security, low-carbon energy,
sustainable water management and climate change mitigation
 Stepping up EU research and innovation cooperation in the water
area
 Harnessing EU water research and innovation results for
industry, agriculture, policy makers and citizens
 Strengthening international R&I cooperation in the field of water
SC5-20-2015: Boosting the potential of small businesses for eco-innovation and a
sustainable supply of raw materials
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Priority Areas
Relevant SC
topics
Key descriptors
Water reuse and recycling
SC5-WATER-1-2015
SC5-WATER-2-2015
SC5-WATER-3-2015
SC5-WATER-4-2015
“water reuse”
“water recycling”
“water efficiency”
“water storage”
SC5-WATER-1-2015 “wastewater treatment”
SC5-WATER-5-2015 “water treatment” “drinking water”
LEIT-NMP24 –2015 “water and resources recovery”
“water sanitation & developing world”
SC5-WATER-4-2015 “Water and bioeconomy”
“water and agriculture”
Water-Agriculture
“water and irrigation”
“water and food production”
SC5-WATER-1-2015 “Flood risk” “drought risk”
SC5-WATER-2-2015 “water and extreme event”
Flood and drought risk
“hydrology” “water and climate change”
management
Based on 2007/2008 results
“water resource management””
Water and wastewater
treatment, including
recovery of resources
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Priority Areas
Relevant SC
topics
SC5-7-2015
Ecosystem services
Key descriptors
“Water and ecosystem”
“water and ecosystem services”
“aquatic ecosystems”
“water and ecological engineering”
SC5-WATER-5-2015 “Water governance”
“ Water and transboundary”
Water governance
“water policy”
(including policy &
“water regulatory and economic
communication)
instruments”
“water research uptake”
SC5-WATER-1-2015 “Water and decision support system”
LEIT-NMP24 –2015 “Water monitoring” “telemetry”
Decision support systems
“Water and early warning”
and monitoring (and Smart
“smart water management”
Technologies)
“water and earth observation”
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International Linkages
Based on 2007/2008 results
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More information on EPA Water Research, Water JPI and Horizon 2020
Societal Challenge 5: Contact Alice Wemaere ([email protected])
Search our Research Projects Database: http://erc.epa.ie/smartsimple/
Register your Expertise in our Online Catalogue of Expertise in
Environmental Research: http://erc.epa.ie/h2020catalogue
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