Newton Fund - Software for Optimal Least-Cost Network Design: Decision support tool for greywater reuse networks in Parana state, Brazil.

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Sustainable Development Goal 6 – to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all – has been the impetus for development of new technologies and strategies for reduction of water wastage in many parts of the world. However, Brazil still has major inequalities in access to clean water with five million people without access to safe water and 25 million without proper sanitation. Experts agree that the smart reuse of water from showers, wash basins and laundry for non-drinking uses such as toilet-flushing and irrigation can reduce fresh-water requirements by up to 40%, leading to increased access to water and reduced water bills. This project will design and optimize a water-reuse network for Curitiba city in Brazil using our advanced software-based water-reuse network (WReN) methodology. The 2 key outputs from this project will be 1.) A robust methodology and an advanced software for socio-economic assessment of water reuse networks. 2.) An integrated smart monitoring system for pipes used in water reuse networks.Our WReN system has the potential to reduce requirements for fresh water, encourage fairer water pricing and drive down costs for the end-users. Indeed, by preventing the wastage/loss of treated water, utility companies can make significant saving from the cost of water treatment. Our engagement with end users can increase their environmental awareness and prompt them to be more resource-efficient in their daily life. Also, the cheaper reuse water for toilet flushing will improve the accessibility to decent public toilets, improving the quality of life of over 50 million Brazilians. This will in turn impact positively on the general health and wellbeing of all parts of the population as well as providing significant benefits to the environment.