Key aspects

Currently, six different key topics are covered within CCDW:

 

 

Water resources

• Hydrogeological methods for survey and monitoring

• Hydrogeological investigation of contaminated groundwaters 
  

• Restoration strategies for contaminated aquifers

• Modeling of fluid dynamics and mass transport in groundwaters (including biogeochemical processes and transformation of micropollutants)
  

• Investigation of surface and ground water interactions  

• River restoration

• Integrative water and soil management

• Influence of climate change and enhanced wastewater treatment on riverbank filtration
  
  

 

Analysis and toxicological assessment of micropollutants

• Application of new analytical tools for the analysis of ground water permeable and drinking water relevant substances (HPLC coupled high resolution mass spectrometry)  

• Application of biological test systems for the toxicological assessment of micropollutants in drinking water and in drinking water treatment (single substances/mixtures)
  
  

 

Microbiology

• On site investigation of the variability of the microbiological quality of raw and drinking water with conventional and new molecular methods (Flow cytometry, ATP analysis, molecular techniques)

• Investigation of the microbiological quality in raw and drinking water with regard to different water treatment and distribution strategies.

• Assessment of inactivation of microorganisms by UV and chemical oxidants.
  
  

 

Drinking water treatment

• Evaluation of different water treatment strategies in relation to the water quality (microbiology, micropollutants, organoleptic parameters, dissolved organic matter, etc.)

• Evaluation and development of water treatment strategies for disinfection, for the elimination of micropollutants and with regard to oxidation by-product formation:

	Activated carbon and combinations with other treatment technologies
	(Advanced) oxidation processes for the elimination of micropollutants (kinetic and mechanistic studies, toxicological assessment)
	Membrane technology (minimization of fouling and fouling control)
	UV-based treatment systems for disinfection
	Hybrid water treatment processes (ozone/membranes, PAK/ozone/ membranes, etc.)
	Process chains (combination of oxidation/disinfection/adsorption/filtration)

 

Organization and governance of the water supply

• Analysis of the management and organization of water supply

• Analysis of appropriate organizational and institutional structures in the regional water supply to meet current and future challenges in the provision of clean drinking water.

• Institutional and organizational changes in the water supply sector

• Coordination of the drinking water supply with other water sectors
  
  

 

Communication

• Investigation of the general public’s assessment of the current situation and possible alternatives in water supply (opinions, preferences, problems, acceptance, confidence) and its knowledge concerning contaminants in drinking water.

• Investigation of factors, indicators and social processes which influence and determine the public opinion on drinking water quality and water supply strategies (e.g. emergence of hot topics, change in the majority opinion).

• Development of reactive communication strategies to inform the public about acute problems, while causing minimal anxiety.

• Development of proactive and preventive communication strategies to ensure the continuous information of the public, leading to a better general understanding of drinking water quality and supply strategies and to strengthen the public’s confidence in water supply.

• Development of campaigns to influence public behavior concerning water consumption.