Our recommended links:
Why the “sponge city” concept by “Grün in die Stadt” is essential for climate adaptation and urban development
It concisely explains how the sponge city model views rainwater as a valuable resource – instead of draining it away – and uses it for heat and drought prevention, and to improve the microclimate and biodiversity in urban spaces. It practically describes the principle of how rain is specifically stored, evaporated, used, or infiltrated, rather than simply going into the sewage system. The overview of measures, advantages, and obstacles during implementation in cities is particularly helpful.
The DWA is indispensable for professionals in water, wastewater, and waste management
Official online presence of the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA), the largest technical-scientific professional association in this field in Europe. It provides comprehensive information on the current DWA set of rules with high-quality worksheets and advisory leaflets for the planning, construction, and operation of water management facilities. Further education and training, seminars, congresses, online formats such as the “Digital Tuesday”, audit offers for flood and heavy rain prevention, as well as quality and safety management.
Digital tools from Smart City Dialog: Water management in the future
This content shows practical, digital solutions for sustainable water management in smart cities: sensor-based sewer monitoring, AI-supported analysis for prediction and early warning, and the creation of digital water twins for real-time modeling. This allows maintenance costs to be reduced, heavy rain risks to be minimized, and resources to be used more efficiently – ideal for municipalities and experts in municipal water management.“Smart Water” article providing smart water concepts for future-proof cities
This technical article by Timo C. Dilly (TU Kaiserslautern, presented at Aqua Urbanica 2019) explains integrated planning methods and tools for sustainable water and wastewater systems in smart cities. It describes the German-Indian project SMART&WISE, showcases planning software, manuals, and pilot applications to support urban planners and decision-makers. The goal is a resilient approach to urban water, especially under climate change and population pressure.
Global knowledge platform for innovative water management solutions
This link leads to the Watershare platform, an intercontinental network of water suppliers, research institutions, and solution providers. The goal is the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and practical experiences to advance sustainable water solutions worldwide — in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6. Watershare has over 26 active members and four regional hubs that transform global expertise into local implementation. Examples of shared innovations, technical tools, and collaborative projects are presented here. Particularly exciting for professionals in water management, urban planning, and research. Ideal for specialized blogs on the topic of: promoting innovation, cross-sector cooperation, and resilient management of urban water.
EU launches water resilience strategy for clean, affordable, and efficient water management
On June 4, 2025, the EU Commission adopted the European Water Resilience Strategy (IP/25/1404). It aims to protect and restore the water cycle, secures clean and affordable water for all, and promotes a water-intelligent economy with investments (over 30 actions, €15 billion by 2027) as well as digitalization, AI, research, infrastructure renewal, and global cooperation. This platform offers profound insight into policy, strategy, and concrete measures for sustainable water supply and climate adaptation at the EU level.“Digital Twin Germany” by the BKG – a 3D master plan for sustainable spatial and climate policy
The linked BKG page presents the flagship project “Digital Twin Germany“, developed by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) running from August 2022 to December 2026. It is a high-precision 3D spatial model of Germany that includes all essential geo-objects – buildings, vegetation, infrastructure – and achieves a point cloud resolution of around 40 points/m² (6 cm height accuracy, 20 cm positional accuracy).
Blue-green infrastructures, Fraunhofer IGB
The linked BKG page presents the flagship project “Digital Twin Germany”, developed by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) running from August 2022 to December 2026. It is a high-precision 3D spatial model of Germany that includes all essential geo-objects – buildings, vegetation, infrastructure – and achieves a point cloud resolution of around 40 points/m² (6 cm height accuracy, 20 cm positional accuracy).
DW article: global best practices for saving water
In this article, Deutsche Welle presents internationally proven sponge city and water-saving strategies – such as rainwater harvesting in Melbourne, Aarhus, or Beijing – as well as initiatives for leak reduction in Tokyo or awareness-raising in Cape Town and Vancouver. It highlights how cities specifically store, reuse, or infiltrate rainwater to reduce drinking water consumption and relieve infrastructure. The article links technical approaches with citizen engagement and price-regulating behavior – an ideal overview for specialized blogs on sustainable urban water management.