The AquaSPICE project released a new video showcasing its Case Study 3, detailing an innovative collaboration between the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) and Belgian drinking water company water-link. The video, titled “Sustainable Future: A smart sensor network on the Albert Canal,” highlights how advanced digital monitoring is enhancing water management resilience in the face of climate change.
The Albert Canal, a crucial shipping artery connecting the River Meuse to the port of Antwerp, is the sole surface water source for water-link’s drinking water production. Climate change impacts, such as prolonged droughts, threaten both water quantity and quality, particularly due to potential saltwater intrusion when water is pumped from harbour docks during low-flow periods.
To address these challenges, VITO and water-link, as part of the EU-funded AquaSPICE initiative, deployed a smart sensor network along the canal. This system provides real-time data on water quality parameters, including salt concentration, allowing water-link to constantly monitor its intake source, understand water origin (Meuse vs. harbour), and make informed operational decisions.
The AquaSPICE project invites researchers, water professionals, policymakers, and the public to watch the video and learn how digital innovation and multi-stakeholder collaboration are paving the way for a more water-resilient future.
