Insights Live! Resources: Water management

Mastering sustainable water management - Hidrodoe

Mastering sustainable water management

31 May 12.00 - 13.00 CEST & 2 June 14.00 - 15.00 CEST

Speakers:

Hilde De Laet, Manager of Hidrodoe & Kris Liekens, Environmental Coordinator of Pidpa

Hidrodoe, an interactive experience centre about water located in Belgium, presented their approach to sustainable water management at the Insights Live! event "Mastering sustainable water management"

With the increasing challenges posed by climate change and the limited availability of fresh water, Hidrodoe highlighted the importance of acting to protect this precious resource.

To address the issue, Hidrodoe has implemented several measures in their facility. They follow the principles of the Ladder of Lansink, which prioritises actions based on their impact. The first step is to avoid water wastage, especially rainwater, by utilising all available sources. The next step is to use rainwater, which is a free and relatively high-quality source for certain purposes.

Hidrodoe also emphasises the reuse of water, finding innovative ways to repurpose water for different applications within their facility. They promote infiltration, encouraging the recharge of aquifers by allowing water to seep into the ground. Additionally, they actively store rainwater to buffer and delay its discharge, reducing the risk of floods.

Furthermore, Hidrodoe has taken measures to separate rainwater from mixed sewer water, a common practice in Belgium. They are exploring options to recover and give a second life to rainwater elsewhere, contributing to a circular approach in water management. Watch Hidrodoe’s talk on Ecsite’s Youtube channel

Take action:

Conduct a water audit: Assess your institution's current water consumption and identify areas where water can be saved or reused.
Install water-efficient fixtures: Replace old faucets, toilets, and showers with low-flow models to reduce water usage without compromising functionality.
Utilize rainwater harvesting: Set up simple rain barrels or containers to collect rainwater from roofs and use it for non-potable purposes like irrigation or cleaning.
Promote awareness and behaviour change: Educate staff and visitors about the importance of water conservation through informational displays, signage, or interactive exhibits.
Implement water reuse strategies: Explore opportunities to repurpose water within your facility, such as collecting and treating greywater for non-potable uses like flushing toilets or watering plants.
Encourage water-saving practices: Encourage visitors and staff to adopt water-saving habits, such as turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaks promptly, and using water responsibly.
Engage in partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, water utilities, or government agencies to access funding opportunities, share resources, or participate in community water conservation initiatives.

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