PCP-WISE - English
Climate change presents major challenges for water management. In response, a broad consortium, including het Waterschapshuis and STOWA, has joined the European project PCP-WISE (Water Management Innovation from Space for European Climate Resilience).

Satellite Data for Better Insights
One of the core ideas behind PCP-WISE is that satellite observations, combined with field measurements, provide valuable insights into the state and development of the water-soil-vegetation system. This includes key factors such as soil moisture levels, groundwater tables, precipitation, evaporation, and crop growth. With these insights, water managers can respond more quickly to changes and take effective measures.
Cross-Border Cooperation
Water management does not stop at national borders. Rivers and groundwater flows connect multiple countries, making cross-border collaboration essential. PCP-WISE facilitates this cooperation by developing uniform data and methodologies, enabling European water managers to work in a standardized way. This is crucial for managing major rivers like the Rhine and Meuse, as well as smaller cross-border water bodies such as the Overijsselse Vecht and the Roer.
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Het Waterschapshuis and STOWA: Key Players in PCP-WISE
Het Waterschapshuis and STOWA play a key role in PCP-WISE. As lead buyer and lead procurer, we bridge the gap between the market and the needs of water managers. With our expertise, we guide the process and drive innovation within the sector.
Innovation Through Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP)
PCP-WISE follows the Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) process, which encourages market players to develop innovative solutions for concrete challenges in water management. The most promising ideas are selected in different phases and further developed into an operationally ready product.
Over a three-year period, the project will progress through three key phases:

PCP-WISE refines its approach by focusing on use cases. The project examines 22 use cases in various environments—both rural and urban—and for both sudden and gradual crises. One example is the Kalmthoutse Heide, a cross-border nature reserve that struggles with drought, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Objectives of PCP-WISE
The project aims to deliver practical and actionable information. The key objectives are:
- Daily monitoring of soil moisture levels up to 1.5 meters deep, with a resolution of 100-250 meters.
- Identification of extreme conditions such as droughts and floods, along with their impact on different sectors.
- Supporting water managers in taking preventive measures to mitigate damage.
Practical Applications for Water Managers
The insights gained from PCP-WISE help assess risks related to:
- Wildfires
- Agricultural production losses
- Flooding and infrastructure damage
- Biodiversity loss
- Soil subsidence and foundation problems
- Urban heat islands
Strengthening Water Management with Advanced Technology
PCP-WISE presents a unique opportunity to enhance water management through cutting-edge technology. By utilizing satellite data and innovative data models, water managers can proactively adapt to climate change. This project contributes to a more resilient and intelligent water system, where collaboration, innovation, and data are at the core. With a result-driven approach, we are working towards smarter, more sustainable, and climate-resilient water management.Â