Research and development activities · IWRS Laboratory
The Department covers the entire urban water cycle – from drinking water quality and water supply to the collection and treatment of urban wastewater. It carries out professional, research, and development activities aimed at ensuring water quality, protecting water resources, and developing sustainable solutions for water infrastructure management. Through its work, the Department contributes directly to the protection of human health, the efficient management of water services, and the achievement of good water status.
Building on many years of expertise, the Department provides professional support for the implementation of national and European water legislation and contributes to the delivery of key European water policies. It prepares scientific and technical support for the planning and development of water supply and sewerage systems, develops proposals for agglomerations, designs concepts for the smart management of water losses in water supply systems, and prepares technical bases to support water quality management.
A significant part of the Department’s activities focuses on investigating the sources, transport, and impacts of pollutants in the aquatic environment. Particular attention is given to macro-litter, micro-litter, microplastics, and other emerging pollutants. The Department develops methodologies for their sampling and analysis in water, sediments, and biological samples and participates in national and international research and innovation projects.
The IWRS Laboratory operates within the Department and carries out the sampling and analysis of the physical and chemical parameters of water, as well as the sampling and analysis of litter, micro-litter, and microplastics in water, sediments, and biological samples.
An important part of the Department’s activities is raising awareness among professional stakeholders and the general public about the importance of protecting the aquatic environment and preventing water pollution. Particular emphasis is placed on educating children and young people through workshops and exhibitions that foster an understanding of the aquatic environment and encourage responsible stewardship of water resources.