HydroScope

Project Overview:

Groundwater is a vital resource for drinking water, agriculture and ecosystems in Estonia and Latvia. Its sustainable management is challenged by agricultural pollution, climate change impacts and insufficient monitoring systems. HydroScope addresses these shared challenges by improving groundwater monitoring and management across the border region.

The project will develop a joint early warning system that combines real-time telemetry data, digital spring monitoring, predictive modelling and ecological indicators. Pilot actions in Estonia and Latvia will test solutions for groundwater monitoring, pollution prevention and ecosystem protection while strengthening cooperation between institutions responsible for managing groundwater resources.

Project Objective

The project aims to protect cross-border groundwater resources and groundwater-dependent ecosystems from pollution and extreme climate events by developing harmonised monitoring systems, predictive tools and a joint early warning platform for more effective groundwater management.

Key Activities

• Installation of telemetry systems for real-time groundwater monitoring.
• Development of digital spring monitoring systems measuring water quality and discharge rates.
• Creation of a joint early warning platform for groundwater management.
• Development of predictive models using monitoring data and machine-learning approaches.
• Implementation of pilot measures to reduce pollution risks and improve ecosystem resilience.
• Integration of monitoring systems and data into national groundwater management practices.
• Cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange between institutions, municipalities and researchers.

Expected Results:

• A joint cross-border groundwater monitoring and management approach.
• Real-time monitoring systems providing continuous groundwater data.
• An operational early warning platform supporting groundwater management decisions.
• Improved protection of groundwater-dependent ecosystems and water resources.
• Cross-border cooperation for groundwater management involving seven organisations.
• At least five organisations continuing cross-border cooperation after project completion.
• Better capacity to anticipate droughts, pollution risks and climate-related impacts on groundwater resources.