1. Maximising water reuse in the EU Framework contract ENV. D
Maximising water reuse in the EU Framework contract ENV.D.I/FRA/2012/ nd meeting with the CIS Working Group on ‘Programmes of Measures’
25 March 2014

2. Contents Scope Problem definition Baseline scenario Policy objectives
Policy options
Questions for discussion
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

3. Scope Our study focuses on:
Reuse of urban wastewater that is treated after collection and has been subject to secondary treatment (at least)
Reuse of industrial wastewater for external purposes
For various types of applications, e.g.:
agricultural uses
urban uses
industrial uses
environmental uses
recreational uses
drinking water production
Not covered by this study: reuse of rainwater or greywater
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

4. What is the problem? Most recent data from Eurostat: 2025
ES (2008): 525 Mm3
CY (2009): 11 Mm3
BG (2009): 6 Mm3
ES (2009): 4 Mm3
MT (2009): 1 Mm3
2025
Potential for wastewater reuse ~ 3,222 Mm3/y by 2025 (probably a low end estimate)
In 2006 ~ 964 Mm3/y were reused accounting for only 2.4% of the total volume of treated effluents produced
Annual EU freshwater withdrawals: 237,660 Mm3/y in 2011
Water reuse potential estimated for 2025 would represent ~ 1.4% of this
Source: AQUAREC project, 2006
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

5. National water reuse standardsMS
Water stress index*
Reuse of treated wastewater is common practice
Standards for reuse are in place (national and/or regional)
Comments CY
Severe
yes BG no
Water reuse potential may be limited by quantities of treated wastewater currently available. MT
Regulatory measures to guide the production and use of treated sewage effluents are being considered. BE ES
High DE
According to information provided by the Environment Ministry, the main reason for the low uptake of reuse solutions is that sufficient water is available from other sources. IT PL
Moderate FR DK
Development of guidelines scheduled for 2014. PT CZ GR LT
*Source: AQUAREC policy brief, 2006
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

6. Trends in some key MS SPAIN ITALY: FRANCE:
Legally-binding standards adopted in 2007 have played a crucial role in promoting and improving water reuse practices (Source: World Water, 2011).
A National Water Reuse Plan has been adopted. Target of 1,200 Mm3/y reclaimed water by 2018.
ITALY:
In several regions, legally-binding standards going beyond the national ones (adopted in 2003) have been imposed, and this has limited the attractiveness of water reuse projects.
Main issues reported:
Limit values relatively restrictive and costly to reach
Refurbishment of WWTPs is expensive
Proves difficult to meet the continuously changing requirements of industrial end users
Little flexibility with regard to the choice of treatment technologies
FRANCE:
Very few new projects since 2006, when work started on the development on new standards. Main barriers reported: quite restrictive national standards (2010) and uncertainties related to their constant evolution (revision foreseen).
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

7. What are the main barriers to water reuse?
Potential for water reuse in the EU is largely under-exploited, in spite of numerous benefits
Inadequate water pricing
Insufficient abstraction controls on freshwater
Reuse not seen as a component of integrated water management
Business uncertainty issues
Fear of potential internal trade barriers for food products
Lack of assurance on safety and public acceptance issues
(in some MS)
Unclear regulatory framework
Stakeholders unaware of the range of benefits
Too stringent standards in some MS
Technical barriers and scientific uncertainties
Poor implementation of WFD (cost recovery, integration, programme of measures, permits, etc.)
Too vague reuse provisions in UWWTD
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

8. What should be the objectives of future EU action?
Inadequate water pricing
Insufficient abstraction controls on freshwater
Reuse not seen as a component of integrated water management
Unclear regulatory framework (in some MS)
Stakeholders unaware of the range of benefits
Technical barriers and scientific uncertainties
Too stringent standards in some MS
MAXIMISE
Achieve a higher uptake of appropriate water reuse solutions, where it proves cost effective, as a way to address water scarcity
Lack of assurance on safety and public acceptance issues (in some MS)
ENSURE SAFETY
Ensure the safety of water reuse practices
Fear of potential internal trade barriers for food products
AVOID TRADE ISSUES
Avoid potential trade barriers on food products
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

9. How can the EU act? Objectives Possible policy measures
MAXIMISING water reuse
Development of EU guidelines to support the design and implementation of the right price structure and level for water reuse
Awareness raising campaigns, development of awareness raising tools and dissemination of information on the various benefits of water reuse, among all key stakeholders
Development of a good practice reference document on water reuse, resulting from a knowledge exchange between MS and other stakeholders
Inclusion of water reuse as a key aspect to be considered in the definition of BAT, so that it is taken into account in the development of future BREFs
Development of guidance on the allocation of EU funds supporting compliance with the UWWTD
Inclusion of water reuse in the scope of future implementation reports of the UWWTD
Amend existing EU legislation so that:
Water reuse is given priority among alternative water supply options
Water stressed MS would be obliged to assess the contribution water reuse can make under different water stress scenarios and, if this contribution is significant, have agreed targets for reuse of reclaimed urban wastewater as part of their RBMPs
The contribution of water reuse to soil fertilisation would be taken into account (possible revision of the Fertiliser Regulation)
Water reuse to be included in good environmental condition rules under the cross-compliance mechanism of the CAP
Ensuring SAFETY
EU endorsement of the forthcoming ISO water reuse standards as a common referential for the management of risks
Establish legally-binding common EU water reuse standards
Address the management of health and environmental risks of water reuse as part of the EU legislation on sewage sludge recycling (possible revision of the Sludge Directive)
Avoiding TRADE issues
Establish legally-binding common EU water reuse standards (to be considered as minimum AND maximum standards)
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

10. Your feedback
In your country: How would the water reuse situation evolve in the absence of future EU standards?
What do you consider as a main obstacle for the higher uptake of water reuse, while ensuring health/env safety? In this context, what action at the EU level is seen as the most appropriate?
If standards are in place in your country:
What would be the main benefits / drawbacks of having common EU standards? (if any)
To what extent are the standards based on a formal risk assessment process?
In order to achieve the 3 objectives (maximising water reuse / ensuring safety / avoiding trade issues), what would be a suitable level of ambition for future EU standards?
Are you aware of actual trade restrictions on food products irrigated with reclaimed water?
Is there evidence showing that differences in water reuse standards can lead to significant differences in the production costs of food products?
Any other comments on the policy options?
Study on maximising water reuse in the EU – Presentation at CIS WG PoM – 25/03/2014

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