By William Steel
Amidst global environmental challenges, Danish companies and organizations are pioneering some of the most exciting and forward-thinking water solutions in the world today.
Oftentimes the product of interdisciplinary collaboration, these novel technologies and approaches — many of which extend proof of concept and are already in operation in the small Scandinavian nation — stand out as emblems of an industry in transition.
As we become increasingly aware of the critical significance of sustainable water and wastewater management, we can be encouraged by the emergence of these working solutions which show that there is another way to approach provision of these most essential of services. A way that is defined by sustainability and holistic thinking gearing water and wastewater services for complementary integration with other sectors of human industry and activity we seek to better.
To be sure, we are seeing how water sectors can give back to society across multiple metrics, besides providing the vital services we typically associated with them.
So for good reason, Danish water technologies and know-how is an increasingly common feature of water operations the world over. In Denmark itself, however, it is clear that the groups responsible for forging this new direction for water and wastewater are far from done. There are higher targets, ambitious prototypes, and new solutions in the pipeline — all pitched for bringing water sectors further into the twenty-first century.
This three-part series takes a look at three areas of focus in the Danish water landscape, exploring some of the flagship solutions now in operation and planned for the future, as well as the philosophy and collaboration that has helped secure successes to date and underpins a shift to a clearer water future.
The series is published as a complement and introduction to the Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology (WATEC) summer school, 'Advanced Water Cycle Management Course', to be hosted 11-23 August 2019 in Denmark.
Part One: Source — Prioritizing Ground Water Resource Management
Part Two: Supply — Advancing Management Of Water Distribution
Part Three: Sequester — Redefining Wastewater
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For readers interested in learning more about the contents of this article, and the Danish water sector at large, the Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology (WATEC) summer school may be for you.
In August 2019, WATEC will host a two-week summer school delivering the knowledge, skills and perspective required for grappling with some of the most critical water challenges of our time.
The event represents a unique collaboration between WATEC, pioneering water utilities and world leading companies within the Danish water sector, including those highlighted in the article above.
The summer school will be oriented around three themes — tracks to which participants will apply:
1. Ground water resource management
2. Management of water distribution
3. Wastewater handling
