Faces behind the project – Gerard van den Berg
My name is Gerard van den Berg. I have a PhD degree in Geochemistry from Utrecht University in The Netherlands. Since 2004, I work at KWR Watercycle Research Institute. Currently, at KWR, I am manager of the team Innovation & Valorisation and project manager for all our international activities. Our team consists of a group of nine professionals who are responsible for the day to day management of the national and international research programmes of KWR, as well as the international networks of KWR, including Watershare®. I am also Coordinator of the EU funded SUBSOL project, that aims to bring water solutions to market.
How did you come to work for DESSIN and what do you do within the project?
KWR was one of the initiators of DESSIN. I have been around since the start of the project. Within DESSIN, I am the leader of Work Area (WA) 3, which means that I streamline the demonstration activities in Germany, Norway, Spain, Greece and The Netherlands. I am also involved in WA 4 (Bringing Innovation to Society and Market) focusing on developing showcases.
What do you like most about working for a large European water research project like DESSIN?
I like working in European research projects because collaboration with other researchers gives me practical experiences and new insights in the subject. Also, I learn a lot from how other researchers handle specific issues. Finally, project meetings are always a good way to get to know new people and share ideas on all kind of topics, also broader than the project itself.
If you had one wish regarding the current water situation, what would it be?
Personally, I feel that water is the number one health issue in the world. My main wish would be that the population of our world, especially those in developing countries would have access to reliable and clean water.
How does the water sector looks like in 50 years, if you could shape it?
We could benefit all from a water sector that is aware of interactions in the water cycle that optimizes the re-use of water and promotes the recycling of valuable waste products from the water cycle, at the same time reducing the energy needs for production and distribution of water. I see a water sector that combines larger distribution systems with local solutions for producing reliable drinking water, thus making the water sector flexible towards external changes and incidents.
Do you save water and if yes, how?
Saving water is important, not only because it is important to reduce spilling clean drinking water and reducing pressure on groundwater. As I live in an urban area, too much water leads to risks of flooding given that the amount of green open spaces, such as gardens, in cities decreases. I try to save as much water in my household as possible. I teach my children not to leave the taps open. We have a water-efficient shower head as well as a water efficient washing machine and toilets. I try to collect rain water for my garden.
