Limited water resources, climate change, rapid expansion of the water distribution network, and limited economic and human resources are some of the main risks and challenges in Limassol, Cyprus. Periodic sampling at selected points of the water supply network for microbiological and chemical analysis impose non-compliance with the updated EU water regulatory framework. Furthermore, as of July 2024, new legislative changes have merged the Water Board of Limassol (WBL) and Sewerage Board of Limassol (SBLA), two legal entities responsible for potable water supply and distribution and the sewerage system, respectively. SBLA had already been grappling with issues related to climate change and heavy rainfall, causing collector overflow and street flooding. This merger has intensified these challenges, as now they must deal with both water supply and sewerage management. 

AQUAMON’s vision is to deliver innovative practices for remote and in-situ monitoring and reporting of drinking water quality and detecting illicit connections to the sewer system. The technologies involved include i) LOC sensors using the colorimetric ferrozine method capable of measuring both Iron II and Iron III, and conduct pH measurements using a spectrophotometric pH sensor, ii) an autonomous IoT-connected drinking water analyzer that will monitor secondary disinfectant concentrations and organic chemicals throughout the distribution network for easy deployment at any tap, providing clean automatic alerts for unsafe water conditions . IoT-enabled rapid microbiology analyzers will monitor storm sewer outfalls during precipitation events to pinpoint the existence of pollution sources to the storm sewer. For sewage monitoring, AQUAMON will utilize DTS technology for tracking illicit connections to the dry weather system in order to highlight locations of misconnections that lead to extraneous storm water and overloading of the receiving WWTP. Additionally, XR technologies will support inspection and maintenance, enhancing diagnosis and problem-solving by providing remote expert guidance to technicians (O5). AQUAMON aims to innovate in the digitalization of water services by providing neighborhood-scale information on household waste management. This data will be used to 1) reduce antibiotic discharge into the environment, 2) prevent damaging discharges of wet wipes, oils, and greases into the sewer system, and 3) decrease sewer maintenance costs