The D4RUNOFF project’s goal is to create a novel framework for preventing and managing diffuse pollution from urban water runoff. This will be achieved by designing hybrid nature-based solutions (NbS) and a data-driven AI-platform to support policy and decision making.
Polluted urban water runoff has been identified as a significant threat to public health and biodiversity. Changing weather cycles mean increased rainfall in many areas that aren’t equipped for unseasonal and high-density rainfall. This leads to overworked and inefficient wastewater systems, allowing pollutants and contaminants to infiltrate the surrounding environment. In Europe, 72% of the population live in urban areas so the health implications here are substantial.