Climate change and the growing demand for natural resources have presented us with an urgent challenge: how to manage water more efficiently. In response to this crisis, the European Union declared in November 2019 the climate emergency, with the goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C. This commitment includes addressing issues such as a decline in moderate rainfall and an increase in extreme weather events, which are affecting the availability of freshwater.
In this context, the Sustainable Development Goal 6 of the United Nations, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, highlights the need to implement advanced wastewater treatment and reclamation systems. These systems make it possible to extend the life cycle of freshwater, which is crucial for achieving a circular management of this resource essential to life.
The Region of Murcia: An Example of Efficient Reuse
In the Murcia Region, 98% of wastewater is reused—an impressive figure that contrasts with the 9% average in the rest of Spain and a mere 5% in Europe. This situation reflects not only a lack of infrastructure but also a lack of interest or need in other regions of the continent.
Costs and Feasibility of Water Reclamation
A recent study has assessed the cost of producing reclaimed water for irrigation in the Mediterranean, taking into account European regulations on water reuse. The results show that production costs range from 0.09 and 0.19 EUR/m³, which positions reclaimed water as an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional sources. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of public financing schemes and the implementation of appropriate pricing to promote this practice.
Water reclamation is emerging as a key solution for areas with water shortages, offering environmental benefits superior to those of other technologies, such as desalination.
AZUD’s Solutions for Water Reclamation
In AZUD, we focus on developing advanced water reclamation systems tailored to the specific needs of each sector:
- Agriculture: We comply with European Regulation 2020/741, ensuring that reclaimed water used for agricultural irrigation meets the highest quality standards.
- Industry and Urban Use: In accordance with Royal Decree 1620/2007, we offer solutions that provide reclaimed water for industrial processes, urban uses, and recreational purposes, promoting the water efficiency and the sustainability.
Innovation for a Sustainable Future
At AZUD, we are at the forefront of Innovation in wastewater treatment, actively helping to alleviate water shortages and protect water resources. With a focus on the research and development, we continue to create solutions that aim for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
If you’d like to learn more about our solutions, Contact our experts.
Sources:
https://www.esamur.com/reutilizacion
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, 2019. The European Parliament declares a climate emergency. [online]. 2019. No place: n.p. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/es/press-room/20191121IPR67110/el-parlamento-europeo-declara-la-emergencia-climatica.
UNITED NATIONS, 2015. SDG 6, United Nations [online]. 2015. No place: n.p. Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/water-and-sanitation/.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, [no date]. Water is too precious to waste [online]. No place: n.p. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/pdf/water_reuse_factsheet_en.pdf.
