Climate change has placed water management at the center of the sustainability debate. Disruptions in water cycles, the increasing frequency of extreme water-related events such as droughts and floods, and the growing pressure on conventional water resources force us to rethink how to transform the agri-food system to make it resilient and sustainable.
In this context, the use of non-conventional sources such as reclaimed water emerges as a key solution to ensure water and food security in a world that will need to feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050.
Rapid population growth and urbanization are also exacerbating pressure on water resources. It is estimated that by 2050, 66% of the world’s population will live in cities, increasing the need for efficient water infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These infrastructures must not only effectively treat water but also transform into hubs for generating valuable resources, such as reclaimed water, which can play a fundamental role in global water resilience.
Water is a critical factor in agri-food production. Currently, agriculture consumes an average of 70% of the world’s extracted water. However, more and more regions are experiencing water stress, and by 2050, 52% of the world’s population is expected to live in areas affected by this issue. The overexploitation of conventional water sources has led to scarcity, degradation of water quality, and conflicts over access. This is where the use of non-conventional sources, such as reclaimed water, offers a sustainable alternative aligned with circular economy principles.
Agricultural production systems must adapt to this new reality by reducing their environmental impact and optimizing resource use. Conventional irrigation practices have placed significant pressure on surface and groundwater bodies, reducing their availability and compromising future water security. In this context, incorporating reclaimed water into irrigation systems emerges as a viable strategy to ensure food production without worsening the global water crisis.
Reclaimed water, which has been treated to meet quality standards that allow its reuse, can be a key tool in the sustainability of agri-food systems. Its application in agricultural irrigation reduces pressure on freshwater sources, helps recharge aquifers, and improves the resilience of production systems to climate variability. Additionally, its implementation can contribute to reducing pollution in natural water bodies by decreasing the discharge of untreated effluents.
Some key benefits of using reclaimed water in agriculture include:
Despite its many benefits, the adoption of reclaimed water faces challenges such as public perception, strict regulations, and the costs of investment and maintenance for infrastructure. However, successful water reuse projects, such as those in Murcia, Spain, have demonstrated that with proper planning, investment in technology, and awareness campaigns, it is possible to incorporate this water source into the production system safely and effectively.
One of the main obstacles to reusing reclaimed water is public perception. The idea of using water from wastewater for food production generates rejection due to concerns about safety and quality. It is crucial to carry out education and awareness campaigns to inform the population about the rigorous treatment processes that guarantee the safety of reclaimed water and its environmental benefits.
The legal framework for using reclaimed water varies between countries, making it difficult to implement innovations and reuse projects. However, in 2020, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2020/741 of the European Parliament and the Council on minimum requirements for water reuse to standardize the legal framework and promote reuse in the sector.
In Spain, Royal Decree 1085/2024, issued in October 2024, regulates water reuse, usage, and quality controls for sustainable management, updating and expanding the legal framework to align with new challenges in water management and sustainability.
Reclaimed water treatment requires investments in technology and infrastructure, which can be costly. However, the development of more accessible technologies and government support through incentives and subsidies can facilitate its adoption.
Several countries have successfully implemented reclaimed water reuse programs in agriculture:
These cases demonstrate that, with the right combination of public policies, investment in technology, and education, reclaimed water can be a viable solution for the sustainability of agri-food systems.
The global water crisis demands innovative and sustainable solutions. The use of reclaimed water in agriculture not only represents a viable strategy to ensure food security but also contributes to climate resilience and the preservation of water resources for future generations. Transitioning to a water management model based on circularity (water and nutrients) is not just an option but an urgent necessity in the path toward sustainability.
Developing public policies that encourage water reuse, investing in efficient treatment technologies, and educating society about its benefits will be key to consolidating this alternative on a global scale. Only through a comprehensive and collaborative approach can we ensure that future generations have the water resources necessary for their well-being and development.
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