Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Date of latest update: 2025-12-15

Description

Description (EN):

The WATERLINK project is related to the SO.2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account ecosystem-based approaches, with the focus on Integrating climate change aspects into water management strategies and their implementation on local, regional and interregional level (considering e.g. water quality, water scarcity, potential of soft and infrastructural measures related to drinking water supply including smart water pricing, forecasting, climate adaptation solutions such as preservation of natural floodplains) The overall objective of the project is to contribute to promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention of the targeted cross-border area of Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi by reducing technical water losses in the system through establishing remote control of water consumption and establishment of a monitoring center for monitoring all system parameters and detection of losses. The Specific objective of the project is reducing technical water losses of water supply systems of cross-border municipalities of Trebinje, Konavle and Herceng Novi from 70% to up to 30% of total water quantities. The objective will be achieved through establishing remote control of water consumption and establishment of a monitoring center for monitoring all system parameters and detection of losses. Beside that the Joint Action plan for management of non-revenue water will be created and implemented by three municipalities and their water supply companies. Objective of non-revenue water management: 1. established and continuous measurement of water production, 2. continuous functional measurement of flow and consumption from reservoirs, pumping stations, 3. continuous pressure measurement, 4. preventive replacement of old and worn pipes, 5. regular monitoring of specially defined measurement zones, so that repairs can be carried out immediately and thereby reduce the degree of loss The main outputs of the project are: 1. Report on calibration of the mathematical model and tested application (solution) for monitoring the water supply system, contributing to the output indicator: Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in project 2. Application for monitoring the water supply system, contributing to the output indicator: Jointly developed solution, and 3. Joint Action plan for management of non-revenue water for Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi, contributing to the output indicator: Strategies and action plans jointly developed. The project's approach tackles common challenges in a comprehensive and innovative way. Its emphasis on cross- border collaboration, community empowerment, and integrated risk assessment sets it apart from traditional climate change mitigation related projects. By introducing a joint cross-border cooperation in the water supply sector, the project aims to reduce technical water losses of water supply systems of cross-border municipalities of Trebinje, Konavle and Herceng Novi from 70% to up to 30% of total water quantities. The objective will be achieved through establishing remote control of water consumption and establishment of a monitoring center for monitoring all system parameters and detection of losses.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During this reporting period, the project partners have implemented set of actions related to the Work Package 1 and on that way contribution to the Specific objective of the project: Reduction of technical water losses of water supply systems of cross border municipalities of Trebinje, Konavle and Herceng Novi from 70% to up to 30% of total water quantities. The focus has been on initiating key public procurement processes, finalizing contracts with selected service/supply providers, and advancing towards project milestones. Progess on specific Activities/deliverables were as follows: A.1.1- Setting preconditions for improvement of Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi water supply system management is still in progress. The PP2 and PP3 have contracted the companies which are working of specific deliverables, where LP1 is in delay with the procurement process, still in phase of market research. The D.1.1.1 - The zoning plan on the Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi system (P1), is in working phase waiting inputs form all three partners. Only PP2 has delivered the report on Zoning plan of the water supply system of Herceg Novi. The D.1.1.2 - Flow and pressure measurement plan and report (P1), is also in implementation phase where only PP2 made the report on Plan for interim measurement of flow and pressures for territory of Herceg Novi. Expert for PP3 are contracted and LP1 is going to deliver the inputs for Trebinje territory during period 2. The D.1.1.3 - Action plan for management of non-revenue water for Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi, is not jet created, it will be done based on inputs provided by all partners, during period 2. A.1.2 - Georeferencing with creation of a hydraulic model and IT support - Pilot Activity. – The contracts with service providers are signed by PP2 and PP3 where LP1 is still in market research phase. This activity aligns with the planned project timeline and ensures that all specifications and procurement requirements are met to facilitate effective implementation in the next stages of the project. A.1.7 - Visibility/project promotion: The kick-off conference for presenting the project was organised in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 4 November 2024. The aim of the press conference was to present the project, its objectives and main activities to the general public. Total number of participants at the conference was 57. Half of 120 sets of promotional material were distributed to the participants of the conference. In addition to mentioned conference the general public were informed about the project objectives, output and results through media articles and 20 digital media channels A.1.9 – Procurement and installation of measuring equipment on the regional pipeline: Tender for Supply of equipment for the monitoring of the water supply system of Herceg Novi, ref.no.05-4966/24 is launched on 31.12.2024 through local open procedure. The Tender is in contracting phase. Konavle: A public procurement process was successfully conducted for acquiring water measurement devices under procurement reference JNM 11/24. the contract was awarded to Endress+Hauser d.o.o. Based on provided description of project implementation activities, achievement of Output 1.3 is still pending. During the second reporting period, the City of Trebinje (LP1), the ViK Herceg Novi (PP2) and the Municipality of Konavle ( PP3) made significant progress in the implementation of Work Package 1 – Reduction of Technical Water Losses and Optimization of Water Supply Systems. Based on the preparatory activities from Period 1, this reporting phase was marked by the completion of major contracted services, delivery and installation of key equipment, and strengthened cooperation with project partners. A.1.1- Setting preconditions for improvement of Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi water supply system management is achived. All partners have contracted the companies which were working on specific deliverables. D.1.1.1 - The zoning plan on the Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi system is delivered. D.1.1.2 - Flow and pressure measurement plan and report is delivered. D.1.1.3 - Action plan for management of non-revenue water for Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi is delivered. A.1.2 - Georeferencing with creation of a hydraulic model and IT support - Pilot Activity. – The contracts with service providers are signed by LP1, PP2 and PP3.Through the service of the experts for the establishing remote control of water consumption and detection of losses in Trebinje, Herceg Novi and Konavle with the database upgrade started to contribute to the completion of the activity A.1.2. The inputs were provided to the TA expert who created consolidated progress reports, as follows: D.1.2.1, D.1.2.2, D.1.3.3 A 1.2 is achived. Activity 1.3 Procurement of measuring equipment and vehicles for measuring and monitoring the water supply system The procurement of the Supply of a Water tanker truck with a capacity of minimum 10 cubic meters (LP1), has been finalized during this implementation period. The Water tanker truck has been delivered and paid during P2. The procurement of the other supply of Equipment for measurement, monitoring, and remote control in the water supply system of Trebinje, has been launched on 17.07.2025. It is expected to finalize the contracting process on beginning of September 2025. The procurement of equipment for the monitoring of the water supply system of Herceg Novi, has been contracted, where the implementation period of the contract is defined on 90 days of contract signing. The contract is in the payment phase. The procurement for an off-road measurement vehicle of Konavle was successfully completed. The vehicle will be delivered by the end of 2025 and will enhance the mobility and response capacity of technical teams. Activity 1.4 Training of technical staff Training of Technical staff will be organized during next Period. Activity 1.6 Preparation of project documentation for the connection of the eastern and western water supply systems of Konavle The procurement for technical documentation required to connect the eastern and western water supply systems of Konavle was implemented. Delivery of this documentation is foreseen in Period 3. Activity 1.7 Visibility/project promotion In the second reporting period, the general public continued to be informed and engaged through regular communication and visibility activities. The Municipality of Konavle and the City of Trebinje published several news articles on its official website, Facebook page, and the Interreg programme website, focusing on the delivery and installation of project equipment, delivery water-tank vehicle, GIS integration, and the establishment of the laboratory. These updates ensured transparency and allowed citizens to follow the progress and benefits of the WATERLINK project. Through these actions, the general public remains informed about the project’s implementation and its contribution to more reliable and sustainable water supply services, strengthening public awareness and support for efficient water management. Activity 1.8 Establishment of a laboratory for defining the quality of drinking water Another major milestone was the launch of laboratory procurement , divided into four groups. Contracts were signed for Groups 1–3 , while Group 4 will be carried out via small-value procurement. Delivery, installation, and staff training (D1.8.2) will be implemented in Period 3, significantly enhancing local capacity for drinking water quality testing. Activity 1.9 Procurement and installation of measuring equipment on the regional pipeline Deliverables D1.9.1 and D1.9.2 were fully achieved, ensuring real-time monitoring of turbidity and flow conditions along the regional pipeline. This output benefits all partners by improving data exchange and preparing the ground for a trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation (D1.9.3) to be signed in the next period. O1.1.activity related to this Output are underway in Trebinje, Konavle and Hereg Novi. O1.2.preparatory acivities are underway. O1.3 is underway.

Project outputs: Mathematical model calibrated and application (solution) for monitoring the water supply system tested(EN)
Application for monitoring the water supply system (EN)
Joint Action plan for management of non-revenue water for Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi(EN)

Thematic information

Water management Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-A_HR-B-ME_2) Green investments in environmental protection and efficient risk management

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 059 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: fires (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Grad Trebinje

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4401369910000

Address: Vuka Karadžića, 89101 Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Vuka Karadžića, 89101 Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://trebinje.rs.ba/

Total budget: EUR 537 672.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 457 021.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 80 650.80

Contractors:

Name: HYDRO CONSULTING - Milan Babić
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: LKS DOO Sarajevo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 200931700000
Name: Predrag Jankovic
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Center for dev. of Herzegovina
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a

OPĆINA KONAVLE

Name: OPĆINA KONAVLE

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 24482197680

Address: TRUMBIĆEV PUT, 20210 CAVTAT, Croatia

Department address: TRUMBIĆEV PUT, 20210 Cavtat, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.opcinakonavle.hr

Total budget: EUR 535 752.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 455 389.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 80 362.80

Contractors:

Name: HACH LANG d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR05394150139
Name: KEMOLAB d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR45816750516
Name: MEDIC d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR36228944903
Name: ULTRA AUTO d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR10390670602
Name: EKO-MLAZ-DM d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR48885567947
Name: Endress+Hauser d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR24482197680
Name: HIDROPROJEKT-ING d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR07963942338

doo VODOVOD I KANALIZACIJA HERCEG NOVI

Name: doo VODOVOD I KANALIZACIJA HERCEG NOVI

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PIB 02293196

Address: PUT X HERCEGOVAČKE BRIGADE , 85340 HERCEG NOVI, Montenegro

Department address: PUT X HERCEGOVAČKE BRIGADE , 85340 Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.vikhn.me

Total budget: EUR 566 521.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 481 543.02

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 84 978.18

Contractors:

Name: DUKAMAM&Co
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100502994
Name: Predrag Janković
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Beoexport Design BIM Engineer.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 112983948

Sveučilište u Splitu, Fakultet građevinarstva, arhitekture i geodezije

Name: Sveučilište u Splitu, Fakultet građevinarstva, arhitekture i geodezije

Department: FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND GEODESY

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 83615500218

Address: MATICE HRVATSKE, 21000 SPLIT, Croatia

Department address: MATICE HRVATSKE, 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://gradst.unist.hr/

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Konavle

Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Partners and Projects info

Water supply and sewerage, Herceg Novi

Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Partners and Projects info

City of Trebinje

Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Partners and Projects info

University of Split, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy

Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Project acronym: WATERLINK

Project ID: HR-BA-ME00362

Project start date: 2024-08-15

Project end date: 2026-08-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project CROSS WATER- Integrated Water Management System in cross border area, implemented during 2019-2023 through Interreg IPA CBC ITALME program (EN) | The WATERLINK project make a synergy effect in relation to CROSS WATER- Integrated Water Management System in cross border area project implemented during 2019-2023 through Interreg IPA CBC ITALME program. The project represents the strategy implementation of Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC that aims to improve the water saving and the different ecosystems granting a legal and sustainable use of the natural water resources ”.
The main Objective of the project was to establish an efficient and effective crossborder Water Management System (WMS). To reach this objective, the project have been focused on specific objective: Improving the cross-border framework conditions for the WMS through a common integrated plan, starting from best practices analyses and aiming to improve technical and institutional. The water culture, implementation for all local stakeholders, citizen included, is a cross activity of the project and it will be realized trough the crossborder awareness campaign on water use and re-use. The main expected results are: a) n°2 Crossborder plans adopted in the field of water cycle management; b) n°4 Integrated initiatives in the fields of water cycle management with common guidelines. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 639 945.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 393 953.42

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 393 953.42. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

The zoning plan on the Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi system
Flow and pressure measurement plan and report
Action plan for management of non-revenue water for Trebinje-Konavle-Herceg Novi
Report of Geodetic recording of geometric data of primary water infrastructure facilities in GIS
Database on georeferencing of measuring points (water meters)
GIS platform, hydraulic model and IT support to the regional water supply system
Purchased measuring equipment and system for remote monitoring of water consumption
A measuring vehicles for measuring and monitoring the water supply system and a car tank
Training of technical staff on measurement and use of equipment
Defined procedure and the process of creating a water balance
Calibration of the mathematical model
Prepared project documentation for the connection of two water supply systems in Konavle
Digital promotion of the project and "conscientious consumption of drinking water"
Organization of promotional events
Promo material
Procurement and installation of laboratory equipment
Trainning for the VK Konavle employees
Acquired and installed turbidimeters on the regional pipeline
Connected turbidimeters to the SCADA system
Memorandum of cooperation

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) includes 10 countries, including Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, and this WATERLINK project contributes to the third pillar- Environmental Quality, especially regarding the specific objectives that focuses on ensuring good environmental and ecological status of coastal environment. Also, project WATERLINK is in line with the goal of halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion Project WATERLINK is in line with the goal of halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU. contributes to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, mainly to the second pillar- Protecting the environment in the Danube Region, Priority Area 6: Preserving biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils.
This second pillar emphasizes the face that environmental resources are shared across borders and go beyond national interests, and that is why it should be our priority to preserve them. This Priority Area 6 considers climate change adaptation measures to strengthen the region's resilience to environmental challenges. Strategies are designed to address the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, landscapes, air, and soil quality. Also, EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation is order to address environmental challenges effectively and this specific Priority Area 6 encourages collaboration among Danube countries to address shared environmental issues and develop joint initiatives for conservation and sustainable development. Additionally, within this pillar, capacity-building efforts are promoted to enhance the understanding and implementation of environmental conservation measures.
Other Project is in line with the Disaster risk management strategy until 2030 for Croatia and the strategic goal "Reducing the risk of disasters" which refers to the prediction, mitigation, prevention of risks, undertaking activities to reduce the level of risk, minimizing the number of new risks and providing the necessary information and tools necessary for decision-making.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-15

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

37 / 37 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

167 / 167 (100%)

Notes on the data

The end dates of project: - RACE 2 - APOLLO - CODES - SMART STEP are an approximation based on the programme's List of Operations available on the programme's website on 2024 -09-18. There the end date is marked in quarters. Combined total of all projects partnerships (11764705.89) in field total_budget is larger than projects total (1499618.4) of total_budget.

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Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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