Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
The project’s findings are already making a difference in how cities manage their water. By identifying how water moves and changes within urban systems, cities can now plan and allocate resources more efficiently and respond more quickly to risks like drought, pollution, or overuse.
“Understanding the seasonal shifts in our water sources has helped us better plan for dry periods and ensure consistent supply to our residents,” said German Esquivel-Hernandez, from the Water Resources Management Laboratory, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.
In Nepal, the findings have become part of everyday planning. “This project gave us the tools to trace where our water comes from and how it changes. That knowledge is now part of our daily decision-making,” said Bijay Man Shakya of the Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water, Kathmandu.
Similarly, in Slovenia, the project supported real-time improvements to urban water quality. “The isotope data helped us identify blending zones in our network and optimize treatment processes,” said Klara Zagar, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana.