STICHTING WATERNET

Their core work

Waternet is Amsterdam's public water cycle company, responsible for drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and water management across the greater Amsterdam region. In H2020 projects, they contribute as a real-world testing ground and end-user for water technology innovations — from smart water distribution monitoring to nutrient recovery from wastewater and pathogen contamination response. Their participation brings operational utility expertise to research consortia, bridging the gap between laboratory water science and large-scale urban water infrastructure.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Waternet's early H2020 involvement (2018-2019) centered on core water cycle competencies: drinking water quality in distribution networks and phosphorus cycling in aquatic environments. From 2019-2020 onward, their portfolio broadened into smart city energy districts (ATELIER), digital water management (Fiware4Water, WIDER UPTAKE), and security-oriented water contamination response (PathoCERT). The shift reflects a utility company expanding from traditional water operations into digitalization, urban sustainability, and crisis preparedness.

Waternet is moving toward integrated urban water-energy management and digital infrastructure, making them a strong partner for smart city and climate adaptation projects.

How they like to work

Waternet exclusively participates as a partner or third party — never as coordinator — which is typical for a public utility bringing real-world infrastructure and operational data to research consortia. With 122 unique partners across 26 countries in just 6 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia (Innovation Actions and Research & Innovation Actions). This makes them an accessible, low-friction partner who contributes domain expertise and demonstration sites without seeking project leadership.

Despite only 6 projects, Waternet has built a broad network of 122 partners across 26 countries, reflecting participation in large EU consortia. Their network spans Western and Southern Europe with no narrow geographic clustering.

What sets them apart

Waternet manages the entire urban water cycle for Amsterdam — from drinking water treatment to sewage processing — giving them end-to-end operational knowledge that few research partners can match. For consortium builders, they offer something rare: a large-scale, real-world testing environment in a major European capital, combined with willingness to participate in ambitious innovation projects. Their cross-domain reach from water quality to energy districts makes them particularly valuable for urban sustainability proposals.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ATELIER
  Longest-running project (2019-2026) positioning Amsterdam as a Positive Energy District — unusual for a water utility to participate in an energy-focused smart city flagship.
• WIDER UPTAKE
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 434,375) focused on scaling water-smart solutions and resource recovery, reflecting Waternet's push toward circular economy.
• PathoCERT
  Extends Waternet's expertise into security and emergency response for pathogen contamination — a post-COVID-relevant capability for water utilities.