Integrated modelling solutions for data-driven holistic management of urban water quality – the Urban M2O digital tools

Abstract

The increasing demands for reducing urban pollutant emissions and protecting water resources necessitate significant amounts of data for designing, implementing, and reviewing pollution control actions. The EU-funded URBAN M2O project aims to address these challenges by developing digital tools, including Digital Urban Water Twins (DUWT) and holistic Data Management Systems (DMS). The DUWT will track pollutants across urban areas and water matrices, supporting in the planning and evaluation of pollution reduction strategies, while the DMS will ensure smooth information transfer across stakeholders and administrative boundaries. These tools will integrate data from novel water quality monitoring technologies, providing urban water managers with updated city-wide data. The project will apply these tools in three European cities, each facing unique challenges. The DUWT will identify pollution hotspots and assess health and environmental risks, while the DMS will facilitate data integration and sharing. The project aims to promote the application of open-source modelling tools for holistic pollution management in urban areas worldwide, fostering collaborations within the urban drainage modelling community.