KWR Water Research Institute
About us
KWR generates knowledge to enable the water sector to operate water-wisely in our urbanised society. At KWR, we have a sense of professional and social responsibility for the quality of water. Our scientific findings and the resulting practical innovations contribute, worldwide, to a sustainable water provision in the urban water cycle.
‘Bridging Science and Practice’ is KWR’s motto. Our researchers work at the interface of science, business and society. Their strength lies in their translation of scientific knowledge into applicable, practical solutions for end-users in the Dutch and international water sector. We have built a solid reputation as top-level innovation accelerators and international network builders, and increasingly play a coordinating role in national and international collaborations.
Products
Water quality and health
Safe and clean water is essential for a healthy living environment and nature. However, the quality of water is under increasing pressure. Chemical and microbiological contamination of water are caused by human activities, and climate change can also negatively impact water quality. The quality of surface and other water bodies has improved in many regards in recent years, but it is still far from meeting all European standards. Moreover, our knowledge of the threats to water quality is steadily increasing, for instance with regard to PFAS and antibiotic-resistant microbes. Steadily stricter water quality guidelines are being established for water systems and for the (re)use of water.
Water cycle
KWR develops solutions for water quality and for matching water demand and supply. To do so, we make optimal use of existing and new sources, and we work with nature – and protect it. We also develop water-technology innovations and implement them in – amongst others – treatment processes and distribution systems. From the national perspective to local solutions, from residential complex to treatment site, KWR helps you find solutions through its development work and assistance in ultimate implementation.
Resource Recovery and Circular Systems
KWR assists the water sector in realising the transition to a circular economy. We provide support in the development and implementation of measures such as - reductions and savings in raw-material and energy use, - the use of alternative resources, such as bio-based materials, and - the recovery and reuse of materials in and outside of the water cycle, so that emissions into the environment are reduced. Through practice-oriented research, KWR contributes to the development of circular solutions and to the integration of such solutions into society.
Waterwijs: the Joint Research Programme of KWR and the water utilities
The Joint Research Programme of KWR and the water utilities – known in Dutch as ‘Waterwijs’, which is pronounced, and means, ‘water wise’ in English – is dedicated to the development of knowledge which also has an impact in meeting societal challenges, such as climate change, water quality, water availability and drought. The Dutch drinking water utilities, the Flemish De Watergroep water utility and the branch association, Vewin, collaborate in this research programme, for which KWR is the coordinator and implementing knowledge institute of the drinking water sector.
UPPWATER
UPPWATER brings together some 600 parties: about 500 companies (over 90% SMEs), research institutions, water boards, drinking water companies, regional development agencies, industry associations, provinces, municipalities and some NGOs. UPPWATER implements the Water Technology Growth Plan and is partly made possible by funding from the National Growth Fund.
TKI Water Technology
To stimulate innovation, Top Consortia for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) have been set up by the Dutch government within nine top sectors. TKI Water Technology is one of the three TKIs within the Top Sector Water & Maritime. Within TKI Water Technology, companies, knowledge organisations and governments research and develop process-technological innovations for improving water quality and water availability and for a climate-positive water chain. These innovations are deployed in technological purification systems such as reactors and modules, and in natural systems in water, soil and deep subsoil. This uses supporting technologies such as sensor technology and data science. With these innovations, we enable the Dutch water sector and water users to have sufficient water of good quality for nature, drinking water, agriculture and industry, while minimising emissions to the environment and recovering as many materials and energy as possible. For Dutch water technology companies and knowledge organisations, the innovations offer opportunities to distinguish themselves internationally and strengthen their position
Water in de Circulaire Economie (WiCE)
System change is needed for a healthy planet and prosperity now and in the future. In WiCE, the water companies and KWR work with partners in and around the water chain on efficiency and reuse of Water and of Raw Materials and Water & Energy. To support partners in the transition tasks for water availability, climate, energy supply and circular economy, WiCE develops knowledge on systems, transitions and norms and values. WiCE's five programme lines focus on exploring and solving challenges at the intersection of water and societal challenges.