EU Introduces New Legislation for Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater

On Monday 26th of June, new requirements for the safe reuse of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation were implemented across many parts of the European Union. With increasing evidence of less rain across Europe, the Union has introduced the Water Reuse Regulation to make the use of treated wastewater to irrigate crops safe, transparent and accessible to farmers.

The Regulation is expected to reduce water extraction, increase the trust of farmers and consumers in the safety of reusing treated wastewater and also reserve enough water for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This circular system provides a huge opportunity for Member States to reclaim and reuse treated urban wastewater, of which only 2.4% is, in the EU today.

The new regulation is also an important aspect of climate change adaptation and to ensure EU’s food security.

Read more about the new EU Warter Reuse Regulations and its numerous benefits here.