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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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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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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.

Local authorities enable sustainable water management for residential, industrial and commercial consumers with advanced hydraulic modelling
 
Montpellier, a dynamic metropolis in southern France, is continuously modernising its water distribution network to meet growing population demands. In some areas, existing systems, designed for a different era and needs, must be adapted to address urban development and certain impacts of climate change, such as increasing pressure on water resources. Faced with rising demand, issues of water losses within the network and the challenge of optimising distribution in areas with varied topography, the city decided to adopt a sustainable water management approach. Through advanced hydraulic modelling with DHI’s MIKE+, the Régie des Eaux de Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole (RE3M) aims to pursue several key objectives: evaluating the capacity of water networks to accommodate urban growth, ensuring reliable, high-quality water services while controlling costs for users, and promoting environmental sustainability through indicators that enable optimised resource management. This approach ensures a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.
 
Challenge
The Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole Water Authority (RE3M) aims to enhance its operations through several initiatives, including improving efficiency during peak demand periods, particularly in the summer, and continuously optimising the performance of its water networks while maintaining sufficient water pressure at all points to ensure fire safety. Additionally, RE3M is focused on reducing leaks and conserving water to minimise energy consumption and reduce operational costs.
 
 
Solution
The RE3M and DHI teams collaborated closely to develop a detailed hydraulic model of the water distribution network using MIKE+. This model enables the simulation of various scenarios and identification of system vulnerabilities. The collaboration resulted in a comprehensive hydraulic model covering approximately 900 km of network, representing five of the 14 municipalities managed by RE3M, with a daily water consumption of nearly 100,000 m3 for residential, commercial and industrial consumers. The model achieved high accuracy, with over 90% of the 162 calibration points (flow, pressure and levels) delivering excellent precision, demonstrating its reliability.
In the long term, this ‘digital twin’ of the network will provide detailed real-time information, easily accessible through the  MIKE WaterNet Advisor application, which will be used daily by the RE3M teams. This will enable proactive, collaborative and efficient system management, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
 
Results
By enhancing its hydraulic modelling with MIKE+, RE3M can now anticipate and manage its water network more effectively, reducing water losses and ensuring reliable supply while optimising costs and lowering environmental impact. This approach not only boosts network efficiency and service reliability but also achieves significant cost savings, paving the way for a more resilient water future.

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