%20(6)-1.png?width=499&height=234&name=logo%20groundstation%20dotspace%20(1)%20(6)-1.png)
Granular insights into wastewater discharges
Published date: 10-09-2026
What is the challenge?
The Rijnland Regional Water Authority collects data on water flows and water quality, but the available information is currently too coarse-grained to identify possible wastewater discharges at their source.
This makes it difficult to determine what pollution may have occurred, when it occurred and where it originated, limiting the ability to investigate possible illegal discharges or discharges that exceed permitted levels.
The challenge is to explore whether combining existing water flow and water quality data with (near) real-time satellite data could provide more detailed insights into wastewater flows and help identify possible sources of pollution.
Who encounters or is affected by this challenge?
The challenge is relevant to the Water Authority, which is responsible for understanding what is happening within its water management area and addressing wastewater discharges that exceed permitted levels.
It also affects the general public, which contributes to the management of clean water and depends on good water quality and the surrounding environment.
What should you work towards during the hackathon?
Explore whether a combination of (near) real-time satellite data and existing water flow and water quality data can provide more granular insights into wastewater flows.
The aim is to investigate whether these combined data sources could make changes in water quality and water flows easier to detect and help identify possible sources of pollution.
What could you demonstrate, test or validate by the end of the hackathon?
A map or simulator that visualises how water flows or water-quality conditions change in (near) real time, for example using colours or other attributes, with the aim of tracking down possible sources of pollution.
How is this challenge currently addressed?
Water quality data is currently collected at several locations at relatively coarse time intervals, such as weekly or monthly measurements.
The Water Authority also receives signals from the general public when water quality at a particular location is considered too poor for recreational use.
What is currently missing or could be improved?
More detailed, (near) real-time data and insights into water flows and water quality.
Challenge owner availability during the Hackathon
A representative from Water Natuurlijk Rijnland will be available during the hackathon.
Additional materials, data and tools
Additional challenge materials, relevant data and information about available tools and resources will be shared with registered participants ahead of and during the hackathon via Discord and on site.