Our researchers work across a number of different aspects of water resource governance, ranging across water quality, climate resilience, wastewater systems, drainage infrastructure and water governance.
Below are some examples of the research groups and projects at ARU Improving water systems resilience in the face of climate change.
Improving water systems resilience in the face of climate change
Researchers at ARU have led a programme of international research examining how climate change affects water quality, urban drainage systems and critical infrastructure. Led by Dr Maryam Imani, the projects Water Quality Resilience and Artificial Neural Networks (WQR GIS/WQR-ANN), RESoURce@Brandia, and RV-DSS have worked with partners in the UK, Brazil and India to improve understanding of water-system resilience and vulnerability. The projects developed artificial intelligence-driven tools and decision-support systems that help identify areas vulnerable to climate change, support resilience-informed infrastructure planning and improve the management of water resources and urban drainage systems. The research has contributed to professional training and resilience planning among infrastructure and water-sector stakeholders across multiple countries.
Developing sustainable urban drainage solutions
ARU researchers are helping cities adapt to the impacts of climate change through research on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Led by Dr Maryam Imani, this work explores how nature-based drainage solutions such as swales, ponds, wetlands and water basins can reduce flood risk, improve water quality and increase urban resilience. Current research is investigating how artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies can be used to automate the monitoring and maintenance of SuDS infrastructure, helping to improve their long-term performance while reducing operational costs. This work contributes directly to more sustainable management of urban water systems and supports climate adaptation strategies. Future work will include working with local government bodies to set up smart monitoring and in doing so, advance water security in increasingly climate-fragile regions of the UK.
Building resilience to floods and droughts in the Limpopo Basin
Through the Global Sustainability Institute, ARU led a work package on the project Connect4 Water Resilience, an international research project exploring the links between water resources and communities across four countries in the Limpopo River Basin in southern Africa. The project examined how communities experience and respond to water challenges, with a focus on resilience, sustainability and governance. By bringing together environmental and social perspectives, the research helped to improve understanding of how water security can be strengthened in regions vulnerable to environmental and climatic pressures.
Driving innovation through engineering and architectural sustainability
The Centre for Engineering and Architectural Sustainability brings together engineers, architects and sustainability specialists to address challenges including climate change, resource scarcity and urban growth. Its research focuses on clean energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities, biodiversity and water security, and is delivered through partnerships with industry, government and communities. By connecting fundamental research with real-world application, the Centre helps turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that support sustainable development and infrastructure resilience.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.