SOLUCIR supports the circular water priorities highlighted at COP17

Drought, land degradation and growing pressure on water resources were at the centre of discussions in the Water Day at UNCCD COP17. The event highlighted the importance of water for land health, ecosystem stability and climate resilience. As well as the need for integrated approaches capable of improving water retention, strengthening drought resilience.

The transition towards circular water management in climate-vulnerable cities requires water to be valued throughout the hydrological cycle. Circular systems seek opportunities to retain, treat and reuse water safely. This can reduce pressure on freshwater sources while helping communities manage it more efficiently.

Moving towards circularity requires determining how decentralised systems can interact with existing infrastructure and what quality standards are required for different applications. Health and environmental risks must also be considered.

The SOLUCIR project aims to accelerate the adoption of circular and decentralised water-management solutions, particularly in areas where population growth, climate pressures and inadequate infrastructure are increasing demand for more flexible approaches.

Rather than replacing centralised networks, SOLUCIR examines how smaller local systems can complement them. Water could be treated and reused closer to where it is generated, while central infrastructure continues to provide security and wider network services. Combining both approaches could create integrated systems that are better able to respond to local water availability, infrastructure capacity and environmental conditions.

SOLUCIR is also developing risk-assessment methods covering health and environmental considerations. Digital tools, including artificial intelligence and digital twins, will support the planning and management of systems that use water from multiple sources.

Circular water management can contribute to climate and drought resilience. By combining practical experience and digital innovation, SOLUCIR is helping to translate the ambition of circular water management into approaches that cities, utilities and communities can implement at a larger scale.