Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development
ENEA Atlas for development cooperation
Technologies list
Enhancing water availability in developing countries through community-driven water management
For achieving the objectives:








Description
The proposed solution primarily involves a combination of technology, infrastructure, and community-based initiatives. Specifically, small-scale reservoirs, wells and water distribution systems are used to minimize water loss and ensure efficient distribution. Rainwater harvesting systems are used to collect and store rainwater for domestic and agricultural purposes and small-scale community wells to tap into groundwater sources. Low-cost irrigation techniques are also applied through systems tailored to local agricultural needs, thus contributing to maximizing water usage for crops. Water purification units ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. Scenario assessment referred to different water and wastewater management options, including rainwater harvesting potential and technologies to be applied for its collection and use; wastewater management focusing on treatment technologies and reuse options. Development of living labs aimed at awareness raising in water uses. At community level, awareness is raised through education and training on sustainable and efficient water conservation and use, and on pollution prevention.
Benefits and Advantages
- Increased water availability in developing countries
- Increased community-driven, sustainable water management
- Increased responsible use of water
- Reduced water waste and depletion
- Increased preservation of local ecosystems by maintaining adequate water levels in rivers and supporting biodiversity
- Appropriate wastewater management
- Wastewater reuse increasing non-conventional water availability
- Improved health and sanitation through reduced waterborne diseases
- Increased involvement of communities in decision-making
ENEA Activities:
ENEA adopted the technology in the following projects funded by EU and national bodies:
Value CE-IN Project – VALorisation of treated wastewater and slUdgE in view of Circular Economy and INdustrial symbiosis. Funded by the Emilia-Romagna Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020 (ERDF ROP) in the field of the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) and area Energy and Sustainable Development.
Intech4Water Project - INtegrated TECHnologies for pollutants in (waste)WATERservices. Funded by the Emilia-Romagna Regional Operational Programme 2021-2027 (ERDF ROP) in the field of the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) and area Energy and Sustainable Development .
NICE Project - From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles. Funded by Interreg Central Europe.
RE.CI.PRO.CO Project - Realizzazione di strumenti e iniziative sull’Economia Circolare a vantaggio dei (Pro) Consumatori. Funded by Italian Ministry for Economic Development (art. 5 Decree 10 august 2020).
Sectors
140 - Water supply and sanitation
14030 - Basic drinking water supply and basic sanitation
14030 - Basic drinking water supply and basic sanitation
SDGs Target
6.1 Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all


