R&D Project – Value Chain for the Reuse of Treated Wastewater for Sustainable Crop Irrigation

Water scarcity and drought, driven by climate change and increased demand, challenge Europe’s agriculture sector, particularly in Southern Europe. Agriculture accounts for 40% of EU water use, rising in regions like Spain and Italy, where irrigation intensifies competition for freshwater.

Reusing treated wastewater offers a sustainable solution under the EU Water Reuse Regulation EU 2020/741, allowing agriculture to safely use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation. This reduces dependence on freshwater, alleviates water stress in drought-prone areas, and lessens reliance on energy-heavy desalination.

ULTRAAQUA and BioKube Join Forces

Recognizing these pressing challenges, Ultraaqua has partnered with BioKube to develop a technically and environmentally feasible solution for agricultural wastewater reuse. The project is financed by the Food and Bio Cluster Denmark through their “Closing Loops” program, which supports initiatives aimed at promoting circular economy principles.

The Goals of the Project

The project goes beyond providing a technical solution for wastewater reuse. It includes:

Development of a Tailored Technical Solution:
Ultraaqua, renowned for its expertise in UV water disinfection systems, and BioKube, a leader in decentralized wastewater treatment systems, are working together to create a feasible and sustainable solution for treating wastewater to meet the stringent safety and quality standards under EU Regulation 2020/741.

Identifying Key Stakeholders:
The project aims to identify critical stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and water utilities, whose cooperation and commitment are essential for implementing wastewater reuse in agriculture.

Building a Value Chain:
Establishing a robust value chain ensures the treated wastewater reaches end-users efficiently and sustainably. This involves addressing logistical challenges, cost structures, and regulatory compliance to create an economically viable system.

Promoting Awareness and Adoption:
By engaging with local agricultural communities and water authorities, the project seeks to foster understanding and acceptance of reclaimed water as a safe, reliable alternative for irrigation.

This project marks a pivotal step in sustainable water management for agriculture, showcasing the potential of treated wastewater reuse to address water scarcity. By reducing dependence on freshwater and desalination, it promotes a circular water economy that benefits both the environment and local economies. Through innovative technology, stakeholder collaboration, and adherence to EU regulations, Ultraaqua and BioKube set a benchmark for tackling sustainability challenges in agriculture.