During the last WssTP workshop of the Pilot Programme “Urban Areas” held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on the 15^th of March, Theo van den Hoven presented the outcomes of the TECHNEAU workshop organized in Maastricht on the 17^th June 2009. The aim was to explore research gaps to be taken on board by the WSSTP research agenda concerning drinking water treatment.

Challenges for the water sector have been identified to be the emerging pollutants and pathogens, the need for new water resources and for an improvement of energy efficiency. R&D needs concerning water treatment were defined in the areas of treatment process, distribution system, resource management and water quality issues.

The TECHNEAU project was initiated in 2006 under the Framework Programme 6 with the support of the WssTP. Its main objective is to develop adaptive supply system options as well as new improved monitoring technologies and management practices. It is a good example of the interaction between research project and the WssTP. The feedback obtained from such projects is  integrated by the WssTP to set up recommendations for the European Commission.

Launched for a 5 year period with a total budget of 19 M € (13,2 m € from EC funding) the project involves 9 universities, 12 research centers and 8 technology providers. The question of the continuing TECHNEAU was mentioned during the presentation as the project is coming to its end. The WssTP could perhaps make the link between different partners to continue this project.