Analysis of Strategies/Policies for the Use of Reclaimed Water - SUDOE. Technical Report. I-ReWater project (S1/2.5/E0136)

Abstract

I-ReWater INTERREG SUDOE project titled: Sustainable water resources management in irrigated agriculture in the SUDOE area, is fund by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the framework of program INTERREG SUDOE (2021-2027). I-ReWater analyses the current state of water resources in the SUDOE area paying special attention to the use of reclaimed water in irrigated agriculture, and its effects on the production and quality of crops, promoting the resilience and security of water supply. In this project a strategic plan (RCO83) at transnational level for the incorporation of reclaimed water for irrigation will be developed (WP 1), which will release conventional water resources, reduce the pressure on the water bodies, improve the quality and water resources availability for other uses (circularity). The design of the strategy is based on the study of available water resources (Activity A1.1), potential demands, the evaluation of the environmental impact of irrigation with reclaimed water using the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology (Activity A1.2), and the socio-economic analysis (technical, economic, regulatory and political dimensions) (Activity A1.3). This technical report corresponds to the first deliverable of activity A1.4 called ‘Development and implementation of the strategy for the use of reclaimed water in irrigation – SUDOE area’. Specifically, it consists of a review of international and European policies regarding the use of reclaimed water in agriculture, together with an analysis of strategies at international and European level, and a comprehensive review of legislation from the international to the regional level. The necessary sources of information and the methodology for drafting the report 1.1. ‘Strategy to increase the use of reclaimed water in agriculture’ are collected, and the interrelations with the rest of activities of WP 1.