Urban Wastewater as a Source of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation: Barriers and Future Possibilities

Water resources are under pressure worldwide, resulting in scarcity and deterioration of freshwater quality. According to European directives, we could reduce the pressure on water resources in urban areas by increasing the reuse of treated wastewater, reducing the impact on water bodies, and promoting water recycling through multiple uses of urban wastewater. Besides the need to address water supply challenges, wastewater treatment systems show environmental stewardship and innovative practices. Using reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is gaining interest because of the drought conditions experienced in Europe over the past few years. Furthermore, using treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation may help to restore nutrients (N and P) to natural biogeochemical cycles. This review highlights the importance of water reuse, current legislation, and existing technologies to implement in wastewater treatment systems to meet the minimum requirements to produce reclaimed water to reuse in agricultural irrigation.

Automated summary

Water resources face global pressure, leading to scarcity and degradation of freshwater quality. European directives suggest that increasing the reuse of treated wastewater, reducing impacts on water bodies, and promoting water recycling can relieve pressure on water resources in urban areas. Besides addressing water supply challenges, wastewater treatment systems demonstrate environmental stewardship and innovative practices. The use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is gaining interest, especially in drought-prone Europe, and it may restore nutrients to natural biogeochemical cycles. This review emphasizes the importance of water reuse, current legislation, and existing technologies in wastewater treatment systems for producing reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation.