Co-UDlabs Research Lives On: New Publications on Urban Drainage and Open Data

Although the European project Co-UDlabs has officially concluded, its scientific impact continues to grow. Two recent publications by researchers involved in the project highlight how open data and innovative approaches to urban drainage systems are shaping the future of water management in cities.

🔹 In the article published in Water Science & Technology, titled The role of open data in regulating combined sewer overflows (https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2025.105), a team of 11 authors from different institutions across Europe explores how public access to data on combined sewer overflows (CSOs) can enhance regulatory transparency and stimulate public debate. The study compares practices across ten European countries and shows how even simple, accessible data can drive social and political pressure for improved water quality.

🔹 The article in Journal of Hydraulic Research, titled The value of urban drainage systems data: facts, discussions and recommendations (https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2025.2528652),  stems from a reflection and analysis of a Co-UDlabs workshop held at the IWA World Water Congress. This collaborative event brought together experts from across Europe to reflect on the role and potential of urban drainage data, and the resulting publication synthesizes key findings, debates, and actionable recommendations that emerged from this community-driven dialogue.

These two studies reflect a shared vision that continues to drive the legacy of Co-UDlabs. Both publications demonstrate how open data can serve as a powerful tool to improve the design, regulation, and management of urban drainage systems. By adopting a pan-European perspective, the research identifies common challenges and highlights best practices across diverse regulatory environments. The findings are particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing revision of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, offering timely insights for policymakers and practitioners alike. These insights are also consistent with the messages outlined in the Co-UDlabs Policy Brief on Combined Sewer Overflows, reinforcing the project’s commitment to making urban drainage data more accessible, actionable, and policy-relevant.

At Co-UDlabs, we remain committed to sharing the scientific outcomes of our work. Even though the project has ended, we will continue to publish and disseminate research that supports innovation and sustainability in urban water systems.