Water Systems and Water Management in the Czech Republic Under Climate Change Conditions (Water Centre)

• Výzkumný ústav vodohospodářský T. G. Masaryka, v.v.i. - coordinator
• UCT Prague

Project Objective The aim of the project, through the activities of the research centre “Water,” is to contribute to a deeper understanding in the following areas:

• Future water demands under (a) climate change conditions and (b) societal modifications triggered by climate change
• Comparison of future water demands with the availability of water affected by climate change, and identification of deficit regions
• Impact of climate change on ecosystems and continued anthropogenic pressure on aquatic and water-dependent environments
• Inputs, quantities, pathways, and effects of pollution reflected in current indicators preventing the achievement of good water status
• Reduction of the quantity and intensity of pollution in industrial wastewater

By generating and disseminating new knowledge through the centre’s activities, the project aims to enhance societal resilience through:

• Development of adaptation and mitigation measures, assessment of their effectiveness individually, within systems, and across multiple types
• Optimization of these measures in terms of both effectiveness and economic efficiency
• Improvement—or at least preservation—of the good status of environmental components under climate change conditions

Strategic Focus and Institutional Involvement The project addresses long-term research challenges that require dedicated time and capacity. It is particularly focused on Specific Objective 1 of the Programme, targeting issues in water management, drought, and mitigation of its impacts on human settlements, nature, and public water supply. The project aspires to become a significant contributor to the development of the Czech Republic’s climate policy package. It also addresses flood-related issues, specifically the influence of climate change on flood dynamics.

The project aims to support and update key national and regional strategies, including the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the Drought Impact Mitigation Concept, National River Basin Plans, and Flood Risk Management Plans. Its outcomes are expected to influence the legislative domain as well.

Our institute is involved in activities related to industrial water management, including the development of water demand scenarios for industry and the issue of industrial wastewater discharge into public sewer systems.

The project “Water Systems and Water Management in the Czech Republic Under Climate Change Conditions (Water Centre)” is funded with state support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Environment under the Programme for Applied Research, Experimental Development, and Innovation in the Field of Environmental Protection – Environment for Life.