Towards Sustainability within Urban Water Management

• Research unit: COST
• Project number: C96.0062

Key words (English)

Actor behavior; agent-based modeling; flexibility; infrastructure; management strategies; rule-based communication; urban water management; water utility; social simulation

Research programs (English)

COST-Action 682 - Optimizing the design and operation of biological wastewater treatment plants through the use of computer programmes based on a dynamic modelling of the process

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise: EAWAG Forschungsbereich Ingenieurwissenschaften

Partners and International Organizations (English)

A, B, CH, CZ, D, DK, E, F, Fin, GR, H, I, N, NL, S, Sl,

Abstract (English)

A shift of focus is essential if water supply systems are to be optimized and further developed. Emphasis needs to be placed on the characteristic behavior of stakeholders (engineers, politicians, consumers, etc.) and the resulting effect on the supply infrastructure. In this project, the prevailing interests, strategies of action and interactions among stakeholders were disclosed in a participatory process together with stakeholders. These rules of behavior were validated based on an agent-based computer model, which then allowed to reveal deficits of current supply strategies. With the simulation of future scenarios of development, measures were identified which help to increase the flexibility of water utilities. The project is of guiding importance for the optimization of water supply systems.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: COST-DB of the State Secretariat for Education and Research Hallwylstrasse 4 CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland Tel. [phone] Swiss Project-Number: C96.0062