Climate change is increasingly threatening Danish water infrastructure and wastewater treatment systems. More frequent and intense rainfall events place severe pressure on sewage networks and treatment plants, increasing the risk that untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater is discharged into rivers, fjords, and coastal waters. At the same time, Denmark has experienced a dramatic rise in flooding incidents, including severe events in Roskilde and Vejle, while rising sea levels and storm surges further threaten coastal regions and critical infrastructure. In response, the Danish government has committed to major investments in climate adaptation and coastal protection.

In the WATER Platform at Aalborg University we investigate how digital twins and machine learning can strengthen resilience by enabling real-time monitoring, forecasting, and optimization of water systems. AI-based prediction and control can help manage flooding, optimize wastewater treatment, and reduce environmental impact under increasingly extreme climate conditions. The potential will be demonstrated on several concrete cases, e.g. Hvide Sande costal protection, wastewater treatment at HOFOR and Rebild Municipality.