The ToDrinQ partners from theNational Technical University of Athens have worked on a methodological framework for early warning on nutrient runoff in inland water bodies.

Eutrophication, caused by excessive nutrient influx from agricultural activities, threatens water quality worldwide. To address this challenge, researchers developed a proof-of-concept early warning system that integrates satellite and Earth Observation (EO) data. The system operates through three key components: crop-type mapping for nutrient estimation, a hydrological model to track nutrient transport, and satellite-based Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) monitoring as an indicator of water quality degradation.

This innovative framework was successfully tested in Boeotikos Kephisos River basin (Greece), a crucial water source for Athens. By providing real-time insights into nutrient movement, ToDrinQ’s approach empowers water operators to take proactive measures for safer drinking water. Click here to find out more about the project Demo Case in Athens. Read the full study here.