7. Case Studies Guiding the Integration of Water Infrastructure

The integration of water infrastructure into the natural sciences-consistent dynamic models is guided by two case studies. The first case study deals with the contamination problems of the Leuna aquifer. The problems were caused by past activities and can only be solved using external technological intervention because the aquifer has an extraordinarily low self-purification capability for the specific pollutants. The groundwater treatment technology that was chosen for the site must operate for a minimum of 20 years. Since the polluter-pay-principle cannot be applied, the estimated dynamic prime costs for solving this problem must be understood as political prices, or social costs, which have to be paid by future generations. The second case study focuses on the revision and extension of the water and wastewater system for the city of Adana in Turkey. This project emphasizes how past activities determine the future development of the water infrastructure for urban centres. The case study shows in detail which essential components must be integrated into the water infrastructure model and which aggregation level is acceptable for closing the gap between theory and practical application.