INTRODUCTION OF WATER FOOTPRINT (WFTP) APPROACH IN URBAN AREA TO MONITOR, EVALUATE AND IMPROVE THE WATER USE.
Climate change, a growing world population, and industrial pollution are only some of the factors leading to an increased debate on the availability of fresh water for our future. The European Union recognised water to be a key resource for the sustainable development of its countries and is setting specific measures and directives to support the diffusion of eco-friendly technologies and practices. As over 75% percent of the European population live in urbanised areas, there is a need to act at urban level with regards to both behaviour and technologies in view of European water policy.

The project URBAN WFTP focuses on water supply network management in urbanised areas with an open potential to improve currently used technologies and integrate innovative tools for monitoring, managing water networks, quality of water assuring along time and waste water’s treatments. In order to achieve this goal, the Water Footprint approach represents an option for better water management and use of water. The project involves nine partners coming from five countries, including universities experienced in the application of Water Footprint approach, municipalities able to set local policies and development strategies as well as companies experienced in water management organisation, specialised in technology transfer and dissemination.