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As the world is faced with rapid global urbanisation, climate change and increasing water scarcity, we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the way we manage water. Cities all over the world are devising more holistic adaptation and mitigation strategies to deal with increasing populations, a changing climate and evolving regulatory requirements. 
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DHI helps to optimise urban water management by implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure clean water for drinking and clean environments for living.
 We work with you to ensure clean drinking water, alleviate flood risks and optimise energy consumption. We provide you with not only solutions but also the requisite training to be able to manage your unique urban water environments independently and sustainably.
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We leverage the latest technological advancements and knowledge to develop water management tools that foster better collaboration, predict the effects of interventions and accelerate implementation processes.
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Water distribution

Accessing real-time data and information on water supply and distribution systems to drive improvements in delivering a continuous supply of high-quality and affordable drinking water from source to tap.

Wastewater treatment

Enabling ways to increase capacity, reduce effluent concentrations, become an energy producer rather than consumer and recover valuable and scarce resources. Establishing automated data-driven operations to minimise risks of human error and ensure regulatory compliance.

Urban drainage

Supporting cities and utilities to achieve sustainable and efficient wastewater and stormwater management for daily operations and long-term strategic planning, reducing the risks and environmental impact, supporting regulatory compliance and justifying efficient investments for existing infrastructure and future development.

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Hydraulic modelling helps Nantes Métropole ensure a reliable supply for the city and surrounding municipalities
 
Nantes, a major city in western France, is the economic and cultural hub of the region. With over 650,000 inhabitants, Nantes Metropolis is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in France, comprising an intercommunality of 24 municipalities. Like many large cities, it faces the challenge of efficiently managing its water distribution network while accommodating a growing population. Maintaining reliable supply, ensuring accurate fire flow calculations and addressing environmental concerns are key priorities for Nantes Métropole as it works to optimise its system, which serves Nantes and surrounding areas. By implementing hydraulic modelling using DHI’s MIKE+, Nantes Métropole could now improve decision-making and address efficiencies in its water distribution network to meet current and future challenges by updating its drinking water master plan.
 
Challenge
Nantes Métropole’s challenges with its water distribution network were primarily related to infrastructure limitations and the growing demands of urban development and environmental sustainability. The existing hydraulic model was outdated and had not been updated to reflect changes in infrastructure. It also lacked comprehensive data on pipe diameters, limiting its accuracy and reliability. To address these challenges, Nantes Métropole is taking proactive steps to gain a detailed and reliable understanding of network performance, identifying peak demand locations including pressure zoning, sensitive points within the network and areas with potential for efficiency improvements. In addition, qualitative aspects such as ensuring water quality—residence time, contact time, chlorine levels and more—are also being closely monitored and optimised.
 
 
Solution
The teams from Nantes Métropole and DHI collaborated to develop a detailed hydraulic model of the water distribution network using MIKE+, which allows them to create a digital twin to simulate different scenarios and pinpoint vulnerabilities. 
 
The hydraulic model integrates disparate date sets into a unified representation of the water distribution network, considering factors like urban development, consumption patterns, physical infrastructure, regulatory compliance and future climate impacts. By reflecting both real-time conditions and future projections, the model becomes a powerful tool for strategic planning and improving efficiency. This approach is a clear improvement over traditional methods, which are often reactive and rely on outdated updates and forecasts, preventing them from fully addressing the complexity of modern water systems and changing conditions.
 
Results
The implementation of DHI's solution significantly benefitted Nantes Métropole, allowing the authority to:

Accurately plan for future water demand based on various scenarios, including population growth and climate change impacts
Enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of the water network, ensuring better service quality for residents and compliance with environmental regulations
Improve water quality through better monitoring and control of key parameters
Significantly reduce water loss and associated costs

The solution has equipped Nantes Métropole with the ability to manage water resources more efficiently, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic planning to meet current and future challenges.

Strengthening climate resilience in Brazil and Argentina

Integrating grey and nature-based flood management measures for sustainable urban development 
South American cities are increasingly impacted by climate-related disasters, and the projected rise in the frequency and intensity of these events is expected to widen existing inequalities, as the most vulnerable communities are also those with fewer resources to adapt. To build resilience, it is crucial for cities to integrate climate adaptation strategies and flood and drought risk management into urban planning. Within the framework of the EUROCLIMA+ programme, and under the implementation of the French Development Agency (AFD), different pilot areas of the west metropolitan region of São Paulo (Brazil) and City of Córdoba (Argentina) were selected due to their shared challenges with urbanisation and frequent flooding. DHI delivered a comprehensive flood risk management plan for each pilot area that combines structural and nature-based solutions (NbS), which, once implemented, will significantly reduce flooding and improve quality of life for residents. 
 
Challenge
Brazil and Argentina face significant challenges related to urban flooding, each shaped by distinct geographical and infrastructural factors. In Brazil, the pilot areas are characterised by high impermeability rates, steep slopes and rapid watershed responses, which together create conditions for intense and fast-flowing rainwater runoff. Urbanisation and the channelling of rainwater through drainage systems exacerbate these conditions, leading to frequent and severe flooding.Meanwhile, the challenges of the pilot area in Argentina also stem from its highly urbanised area with nearly complete impermeability (96%) yet low slopes. In addition, although the upstream watershed remains largely agricultural and natural, the lack of an adequate rainwater collection network contributes to or exacerbates flooding due to characteristics of existing drainage. Additionally, flash floods from surface runoff and the rising water table further complicate flood management in this urban area.Together, these challenges impact vulnerable communities, damaging residential, commercial and critical infrastructure, such as public transportation hubs.
 
Solution
DHI developed a comprehensive flood risk management plan for each of the four study areas by applying a methodology that included detailed data analysis, flood risk assessments and the creation of flood models, risk maps and consultation with the experts of each municipal authority. The plans identify key development solutions and incorporate them into preliminary designs. Additionally, the project provided recommendations, promoted best practices and developed educational materials to raise awareness for civil servants at the municipalities in question. Training programs were also conducted to equip stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills.
 
What made DHI’s solution unique? 
 

Integrated green and grey solutions: DHI’s hydrologists and urban flood protection and modelling experts worked with landscape architects to combine nature-based approaches, such as increasing permeability, with engineered infrastructure, like drainage pipes, retention basins and embankments, to create sustainable flood risk reduction strategies
Advanced modelling: DHI used the MIKE+ 1D-2D hydrological and hydraulic model combined with LiDAR surveys to accurately simulate flood risks, even when hydrometric datasets were incomplete
Field-based validation: Instead of conventional calibration, models were validated using field observations, photos and local testimonies, ensuring real-world accuracy

Participatory approach: The solution incorporated a collaborative process with local technical committees, ensuring urban development plans aligned with the municipalities’ needs and priorities


Capacity building and knowledge transfer: DHI’s climate change adaptation study included extensive training for local public servants, fostering long-term resilience and local expertise across the territories


 
Results
By combining structural drainage systems with nature-based solutions, DHI’s approach addresses severe flooding in vulnerable urban areas. Once the detailed interventions in the flood risk management plans are implemented, floodable spaces will be transformed into multifunctional environments, offering both hydraulic benefits and urban functions. These spaces are designed to mitigate the impacts of floods while serving as parks, playgrounds, sports fields and other community spaces during dry periods. Currently, these areas are vulnerable to flooding with limited utility, but in the future, they will be able to provide both flood protection and improved public spaces, benefiting local communities.The environment will also benefit through the creation of floodable urban spaces that integrate green and blue infrastructure. These spaces enhance biodiversity, reduce pollution and improve water management. By converting floodplains into multifunctional spaces, such as parks and gardens, these urban areas become more resilient to climate change while providing valuable ecological functions. Additionally, these spaces are designed to be low maintenance, reducing the need for costly infrastructure repairs and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Modernised solution boosts flood resilience and promotes sustainable urban development 
Żary, a picturesque town in western Poland, is known for its historical charm and tranquil environment. However, like many growing urban areas, it is facing significant challenges in managing its stormwater drainage system. As rainfall patterns become more intense and urbanisation increases, the municipality of Żary is proactively upgrading its infrastructure to improve water management and address the challenges of frequent flooding. With a modernised stormwater management solution developed by DHI, Żary is now better positioned to mitigate flood risks, enhance urban resilience and ensure sustainable development in this vibrant community.
 
Challenge
Situated on flat terrain, Żary is prone to frequent flooding. To address this, the municipality is actively upgrading its infrastructure to better adapt to modern climate patterns and support ongoing urban development. Previous patchwork repairs and minor upgrades did not fully resolve the persistent flooding issues. Consequently, residents faced property damage, traffic disruptions and environmental challenges, with flooded streets and overwhelmed sewers becoming frequent during heavy rains. Recognising these impacts on quality of life, the municipality of Żary is committed to implementing comprehensive solutions to improve flood management and enhance overall resilience.
 
Solution
As part of the ‘Żary - A Place to Live’ initiative, DHI conducted an extensive measurement campaign conducted over two months, involving six stormwater channel stations and two rain gauge stations. This data collection laid the groundwork for accurate modelling and recommendations for system optimisation. 
 
After collecting the data, we developed and calibrated hydrodynamic models for both stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. Detailed analysis using these models pinpointed critical areas and bottlenecks, leading to targeted recommendations for infrastructure upgrades and the addition of retention tanks. 
 
The project also included implementing an advanced software solution for real-time data visualisation and management, creating web applications for proactive stormwater control and conducting a field inventory of sewer infrastructure.
 
What made DHI’s solution unique? 
 

Hybrid modelling: The integration of 1D+2D modelling provided a comprehensive view of the drainage system’s performance under various conditions, combining sewer network modelling with natural watercourse and terrain surface simulations
Predictive capabilities: The system could forecast network behaviour up to six hours ahead, providing early warnings of potential flooding. This proactive approach allowed the municipality to take preventive measures before issues escalated.
Green infrastructure: Adding green infrastructure elements like rain gardens, green roofs and permeable surfaces not only improved stormwater management but also contributed to urban aesthetics and environmental quality

 
Compared to traditional methods, DHI’s approach offered superior predictive and integrative capabilities, utilising advanced technologies like MIKE software, online data platforms and AI integration.
 
Results
The solution has significantly improved Żary’s sewage system, greatly reducing flood risks and enhancing surface water quality. The municipality can now predict and manage potential flooding events more effectively, minimising their impact on residents. By integrating modern monitoring systems for continuous data visualisation and analysis, Żary is now well-equipped for proactive water resource management, benefiting the entire community.

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