"AUA" The secret of water. A scalable innovation project across Switzerland.
Water is food. In Chur, more than 800,000 liters flow unused through 160 fountains every day. The project “Aua” transforms each fountain into a tested, managed drinking experience. The water is analyzed, made visible digitally, and precisely controlled. Smart technology starts the water flow when someone approaches and stops it automatically. This way, the image of the gently splashing fountain is preserved, water is saved, inflows are reduced, and treatment costs decrease. A lighthouse project.
What issue does your project address, and why do you want to tackle it?
Water is the elixir of life. In Switzerland, there are around 10,000 public drinking fountains. In Chur alone, more than 800,000 liters flow unused through 160 fountains every day. A given that needs to be reconsidered.
The project “Aua”—Romansh for water—makes it possible to keep drinking fountains available even during hot summers. The magic word is targeted water release: only when it is needed. Drinking water is too valuable to waste!
What is your project about and how does it make Switzerland water-wise?
Smart technology controls the flow of water. When someone approaches, the fountain begins to ripple. After a limited amount of water, the flow stops automatically. At night, the water is switched off. The traditional image of the gently splashing fountain remains intact. Even during hot summers, continuous operation can thus be ensured. Sensible, economical, and conscious. The drinking water saved in this way cannot be used elsewhere, but inflows can be reduced and costs lowered.
How do you measure your project's success?
In mountain cantons, drinking water is usually discarded, while in urban areas it has to be extracted from groundwater, rivers, and lakes and then treated. In places without separate sewage systems, clean drinking water ends up in wastewater treatment plants. The “Aua” project saves 50% of public drinking water consumption. The fountains flow at full strength - precisely when their water is needed. Each fountain displays the quality and origin of its drinking water.
Who are the people behind the project and what is your secret to a great collaboration?
Michael Burkhardt, a native of Hamburg, is Director of the Institute at OST. His expertise in water management and his strategic foresight are in demand far beyond Switzerland.
Gion Willi, from Graubünden and Managing Director of GreenTech Create GmbH, has always lived in close connection with natural resources. His innovations and perseverance drive projects to success.
Burkhardt and Willi share years of precise professional exchange - a partnership that promises success.
