France – New Wastewater Reuse Project Launches in Argelès-sur-Mer
An initiative to strengthen water resilience has begun in Argelès-sur-Mer, where the Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris Community of Municipalities (CCACVI) and Veolia have started work on France’s largest treated wastewater reuse project.
The facility will supply 1.3 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year—equivalent to around five months of the community’s drinking water use. Scheduled to open in April 2026, it is the first project of its kind to receive support from France’s Agricultural Hydraulics Investment Fund 2025
Using advanced membrane ultrafiltration, the site will deliver Category A-quality water, primarily for drip irrigation on some 700 hectares of farmland, mostly fruit orchards.
Located in the drought-stricken Eastern Pyrenees, the scheme responds to intensifying water scarcity. Veolia’s Sandra Andreu described it as a “flagship project” under the company’s GreenUp strategy, while CCACVI President Antoine Parra said it provides a “concrete and ambitious response to the drought affecting our region”, crucial for safeguarding local agriculture.
