Excursions

Below you will find an overview of all excursions around WaterMicro25.

Excursion 1. Chlorine-free drinking water production and visit to KWR

In The Netherlands chlorine-free drinking water is produced, of which about fourty percent is produced from surface water. We will visit a drinking water utility that purifies surface water using dune infiltration and a post treatment. After a bus ride we first get an introduction of the drinking water utility on how microbiologically safe drinking water is produced to meet QMRA requirements and distributed without a disinfectant residual. Next, we will visit the infiltration area in the dunes.

After lunch at the visitor center in the dunes, we will visit KWR Water Research Institute. KWR performs applied scientific research into the water cycle. The visit includes a presentation on KWR, the joint research program for the Dutch drinking water utilities and the microbiology research. Followed by a tour of the building and laboratories.

Please note that you should be able to cycle twice for 10-15 minutes to be able to visit the dunes. Please contact us if you are physically unable to do this but would like to attend the site visit and we can discuss with you what is feasible.

This is a full-day visit on Friday 20 June. Participation is on a first come first serve base. If there are not enough subscriptions the excursion may be cancelled and the money will be refunded. Maximum number of participants: 46. Costs for the full-day trip are 75 euro per person, or 25 euro for participants from a Low- or Middle- Income Country (LMIC).

Excursion 2. Rapid monitoring of bathing water and separate sewer systems

At the Spiegelwaal in the city of Nijmegen, recreational activities in the river Waal are combined with the demands of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) to provide a natural environment for certain fish species. However, requirements for the WFD conflict with measures for microbiologically safe bathing water and recreational activities. We will visit the Spiegelwaal, where a project researcher will explain the situation, the research performed and what has been done to serve both needs. You will have the chance to see the setup of the area and how the water quality was monitored by rapid monitoring systems.

After lunch in the city centre of Nijmegen, a tour through the old city centre will show how the city manages water challenges such as separating rainwater from sewage.

Please note that you should be able to walk on uneven terrain at the Spiegelwaal and walk for 1,5 hours in the city centre of Nijmegen. Please contact us if you are physically unable to do this but would like to attend the site visit and we can discuss with you what is feasible.

This is a full-day visit on Friday 20 June. Participation is on a first come first serve base. If there are not enough subscriptions the excursion may can be cancelled and the money will be refunded. Maximum number of participants: 46. Costs for the full-day trip are 75 euro per person, or 25 euro for participants from a Low- or Middle- Income Country (LMIC).

Excursion 3. Green Village Technical University of Delft and visit to laboratory

At the technical university of Delft, a Green Village has been set up: a field lab to test solutions for a sustainable future. During the tour you will get to see different open-air experiments that are currently running, such as a local grey water reuse and with the Hydraloop. Microbiological issues related to home and decentralized systems will be discussed.

After lunch in the old city centre of Delft we will visit Aquon. Aquon is one of the laboratories of the water boards that analyze surface water, bathing water and wastewater samples for both microbiological and chemical parameters.

Excursion 4. Relaxed swimming at natural recreational area Zeumeren

You are invited for a refreshing swim at the natural swimming area of Zeumeren, a beautiful lake located just a short distance from the conference venue. After a short drive by bus you will be welcomed with drinks and a presentation on the operation of natural swimming areas in the Netherlands and the Swimmable Cities initiative. Afterwards you have approximately 1.5 hour to spend yourselve, go for a refreshing swim or just sit at the beach and relax.

In case of bad weather, the excursion will take place and swimming is still possible. However, the indoor areas are large enough to have a relaxing time with each other in case you do not feel like swimming in the rain.

Although the microbiological water quality is excellent and regularly tested according to the EU Bathing Water Directive, a situation may arise that causes insufficient water quality. In that case, swimming is not allowed, but you can still have a nice time at the beach or indoors.

Please be aware that this swimming area is a natural lake and not a swimming pool. There are no lifeguards on duty, therefore a swimming certificates is required. As there are limited changing rooms available, you can change into your bathing suit on the beach (e.g. covered by a towl) or in the toilets. Open-air showers are available.

This excursion will be held in the afternoon of Friday 20 June. Participation is on a first come first serve base. If there are not enough subscriptions the excursion may can be cancelled and the money will be refunded.

This excursion is sponsored by Leisurelands, the operator of the swimming area. Maximum number of participants: 47. Costs are 15 euro per person.

Excursion 5. Free self-guided water walk through Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a water rich city with a long history of water management and new developments in the field. Conference attendees will be provided with a walking tour past key points in and around the city centre with explanations about the water history and new developments. Naturally the historical highlights of the city are included in the walk.

This tour is free and can be undertaken at any time at your own leisure.