The impact of environmental quality on well-being: Contributions of LIFE RESEAU on World Health Day

The quality of the environment in which we live has a significant impact on our health. On World Health Day, a commemorative day celebrated on 7th April since 1950, the LIFE RESEAU project consortium has sought to highlight the positive impact of this initiative on public health, thanks to its work supporting the resilience of sanitation infrastructure.

Untreated wastewater discharges are one of the main causes of water pollution, which can lead to waterborne diseases and harm aquatic ecosystems. Due to increased rainfall caused by climate change, runoff collected and transported by combined sewer systems is entering wastewater infrastructure more rapidly and in larger volumes, which these systems can no longer transport or treat effectively.

By developing technological solutions to address this problem, LIFE RESEAU contributes to the improvement of water quality and reduces health risks that are directly linked to the health and well-being of communities.

In working to strengthen sanitation infrastructure and reduce water pollution, the project plays a vital role in creating healthier and more sustainable environments, aligning with the global goal of improving health and well-being for all people.

Resilience of Sanitation Infrastructure

LIFE RESEAU develops solutions for the refurbishment of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) to increase their treatment capacity, adapting them to the challenges posed by climate change and extreme rainfall events. This is being done in Moaña and Søndersø, through two pilot projects currently underway.

Additionally, the project is working on a specific tool to reduce infiltration in the sewer network, improving the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment systems. In this way, the impact of LIFE RESEAU is not only measured in terms of technical efficiency but also in terms of public health.