UNIVERSWATER is an EU-funded project that aims to optimize the use of water resources with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable methods. The goal of the project is to help communities tackle agri-water challenges, by transforming the agri-water management sector.

Water quality and quantity are under increasing pressure from agricultural activities, exacerbated by climate change. UNIVERSWATER addresses these challenges through a 'system of systems' approach, developing and improving technologies to optimize water resource use. The project aims to integrate innovative portable and in-situ sensors with earth observation imaging and advanced artificial intelligence techniques to monitor and manage water usage and quality effectively.

Among the key objectives of UNIVERSWATER are the:

• Development of innovative sensors for parameters such as salinity, nutrients, and microbiological indicators.
• Integration of these sensors with earth observation data and AI for real-time water management.
• Implementation of sustainable water remediation methods at the point of need.
• Promotion of these technologies through pricing incentives to encourage widespread adoption.

The technologies developed will be integrated into decision support systems (DSS) tested in three case studies in Ireland, Italy and Greece, focusing on dairy soiled water treatment, soil salination mitigation through water reuse, and optimized fertilizer/pesticide application. The goal is to develop a modular, extensible, and holistic universal Decision support system adaptable to various local conditions.

As part of the international consortium, and in the context of the Italian Use Case, Planetek Italia will develop the processing of optical satellite images for the seasonal monitoring of the effect of soil salinity on crops, in collaboration with the CNR that takes care of the in-situ data collection, as well as the management of the test area of Torre Guaceto nature reserve in cooperation with Acquedotto Pugliese.

Funded under the Horizon Europe programme, the project brings together a consortium of 15 partners from six European countries. Led by the Tyndall National Institute - University College Cork, the UNIVERSWATER consortium comprises of leading institutions and organizations, ensuring a robust interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration.

To stay updated on the project’s developments, please follow its social media channels: UNIVERSWATER on X - UNIVERSWATER on LinkedIn.