Safety and security, digitalisation and management

The concept of safety and security comprises both normal operation (safety) and exceptional (crisis) situations (security). We conduct research into both areas to constantly increase the safety and security of drinking water supply.

Digital transformation is taking place in the most varied areas of public drinking water supply. The following focus areas have recently emerged: Data collection (e.g. sensors), data management (e.g. databases), data-driven applications (e.g. forecasting models) and IT security. Research is also strongly focused on new applications in the fields of artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Effective research outcomes are only achieved if clear objectives and conditions are defined. Imagine a football match without goals. The players would work extremely hard for 90 minutes but without any result because there is no goal and therefore no objective. Identifying trends by means of scouting and defining and communicating adequate specifications is therefore part of every effective research management strategy.

Security

• Increasing security during normal operation for small water suppliers who have limited staff resources
• Evaluation and increase in security with regard to the entry of toxic substances in drinking water

Management

• Roadmap of DVGW water research: One of the first research programmes of the DVGW for the water sector started in 1982. Research programmes have been regularly updated ever since. Based on experiences from cooperating with water supply companies on one side and international networks on the other, TZW actively contributes to updating the DVGW research programmes.