The MORE4WATER project aims to develop a novel technology based on a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to improve the forecast of water availability and optimize the management and governance of water distribution networks and irrigation systems.
This technology will contribute to drastically reducing the impact of droughts, preparing the ground for the next generation of smart, efficient, and sustainable water systems — fully aligned with the UN Agenda 2030 and the EU Green Deal.
To ensure real-world applicability, the MORE4WATER methodology is tested and validated through laboratory testbeds and pilot systems across different countries and sectors. This structure reflects the transnational and multidisciplinary nature of the project consortium, combining technical, legal, and socio-economic expertise. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
To achieve its goal, the project applies an innovative two-stage procedure:
1. FIRST STAGE
Forecasting water availability through AQUILA, a model that simulates groundwater and lake levels using reanalysis datasets and WSN-based field measurements.
2. SECOND STAGE
Optimizing the management of water distribution and irrigation systems using AQUILA outputs, particularly under scenarios of water scarcity and climate change.
Specific Objectives
This integrated process is validated through laboratory testbeds and pilot systems, reflecting the transnational and multidisciplinary nature of the consortium.
SO1 – BUILDING A WSN FOR GROUND MONITORING
Design and deploy a WSN for collecting, preprocessing, and transmitting key environmental data (e.g., water levels, flow, pressure). A connected mobile app will engage stakeholders and allow citizen science input for sensor fusion and AI-enhanced analysis.
SO2 – WSN FOR WATER NETWORKS AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Configure the WSN to monitor water distribution and irrigation systems. Nodes will be low-power, secure, GPS-synchronized, and capable of capturing high-resolution data during critical events. Integration with existing technologies (e.g., precision farming) will be explored.
SO3 – DEVELOPING AND CALIBRATING AQUILA
Further develop and calibrate AQUILA, a model that estimates groundwater and lake levels using minimal ground data and reanalysis inputs. Simulations will be validated through case studies.
SO4 – UPDATING AQUILA FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Refine AQUILA by integrating daily observations of groundwater and climate indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to enhance its adaptability to evolving climate conditions.
SO5 – SEASONAL FORECASTING USING AQUILA
Use ECMWF seasonal forecasts to predict water table and lake levels up to six months in advance. This forecast capability is essential for resource planning in both urban and agricultural water systems.
SO6 – CREATING DIGITAL TWINS
Develop digital twins of real water and irrigation networks to simulate system performance under varying water availability. The IS digital twin will integrate hydraulic and SPAC models to link irrigation demand with real-time monitoring data.
SO7 – WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Implement fault detection (e.g., leak detection) to reduce losses and operational costs. Digital twins will help optimize the water–energy–food nexus, supporting SDGs 6, 9, 11, 13, and 15.
SO8 – MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Use WSN data and digital twin simulations to:
Identify vulnerable areas in water networks and improve pressure regulation; detect imbalances in irrigation sub-districts and reduce crop stress. These strategies support sustainable and efficient water resource use under climate stress.
SO9 – IMPROVING WATER GOVERNANCE
Develop legal and policy recommendations for water resource governance, supported by scientific data. The project will address regulatory gaps (e.g., in transboundary aquifers such as the Guarani) and promote participatory water management models.
SO10 – ESTIMATING BENEFITS AND IMPACTS
Use contingent valuation methods to assess the social and economic value of improved water management. Surveys and stakeholder consultations will quantify willingness to pay, inform policy, and measure project impact.
SO11 – ENHANCING MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
Foster collaboration among engineers, economists, and legal scholars to ensure that monitoring, forecasting, and resource allocation strategies are inclusive, equitable, and effective.
SO12 – DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION OF RESULTS
Ensure wide-reaching communication, stakeholder engagement, training, and uptake of the project’s outcomes through coordinated dissemination and exploitation activities.
