Water in cities may take many shapes from rivers to ponds. They may be large or small, natural or man-made, and stagnant or flowing. All these are referred to as urban hydrosystems. Hydrosystems are essential for sustainable water management in cities, influencing heat stress, flood risk, water quality, and ecosystem health. Rapid urbanization and climate change increase pressure on cities and the demands made to these systems, requiring improved strategies to balance human and environmental needs.

While research has focused on individual aspects such as heat stress mitigation, stormwater management, and green infrastructure solutions, the water and energy fluxes dynamics are not comprehensively understood across different European cities. Differences in climate, infrastructure, and vegetation create unique challenges that require tailored approaches.

In this project, we will investigate urban hydrosystem management by modeling water and energy fluxes around open water interventions in various European urban environments. With numerical modeling, we aim to identify key factors influencing system performance for especially heat stress and flood management. The findings will contribute to the development of adaptive management strategies that enhance urban water sustainability in the face of growing environmental challenges.

This project is a  collaboration in the framework of the EUCOR excellence chair "Water and  Sustainability" held by prof. dr. Karl Matthias Wantzen at the  University of Strasbourg and it includes  the Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWU-WB) &  the Environmental Fluid Mechanics (IWU-EFM, prof. dr. Olivier Eiff)  groups of the Institute for Water and Environment (IWU).