Use of compact plants for wastewater reuse: a scalable pathway for incorporating non-conventional waterWater reuse has become a strategic resour...
Published by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
Use of compact plants for wastewater reuse: a scalable pathway for incorporating non-conventional water
Water reuse has become a strategic resource in water-stressed regions, yet volumes across the EU remain far below technical potential. Spain leads in regulatory maturity, reinforced by Regulation (EU) 2020/741 and RD 1085/2024, which introduces a risk-based approach and distinguishes wastewater treatment from water reclamation. In this context, compact and modular plants offer a scalable, affordable and fast-deployment solution.
Use of compact plants for wastewater reuse: a scalable pathway for incorporating non-conventional water
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Reuse: from a complementary option to a strategic resource
Water reuse is no longer a marginal solution but a central pillar of water management policy. Increasing pressure on conventional resources, recurrent droughts and the need for resilience have shifted the focus from technical feasibility to deployment speed and operational robustness. The European framework positions reuse as a mechanism to reduce abstraction, mitigate environmental impacts and support climate adaptation.
In Spain, the transition from the traditional quality-based model towards a risk-based approach introduces stricter requirements in terms of traceability, monitoring and shared responsibility. As a result, reclamation systems must not only achieve target water quality, but also ensure reliability, auditability and adaptability under variable operating conditions.
Water reuse is no longer a complementary solution; it is becoming a strategic infrastructure asset driven by structural water stress
Regulatory change: water reclamation as distinct infrastructure
Royal Decree 1085/2024 explicitly defines water reclamation as an activity distinct from wastewater treatment, introducing a dual regulatory framework: one governing the production of reclaimed water and another governing its final use. This distinction has direct implications for infrastructure planning, requiring additional treatment lines and new authorisations.
Water reuse has become a strategic resource in water-stressed regions, yet volumes across the EU remain far below technical potential. Spain leads in regulatory maturity, reinforced by Regulation (EU) 2020/741 and RD 1085/2024, which introduces a risk-based approach and distinguishes wastewater treatment from water reclamation. In this context, compact and modular plants offer a scalable, affordable and fast-deployment solution.
Use of compact plants for wastewater reuse: a scalable pathway for incorporating non-conventional water
Share
Reuse: from a complementary option to a strategic resource
Water reuse is no longer a marginal solution but a central pillar of water management policy. Increasing pressure on conventional resources, recurrent droughts and the need for resilience have shifted the focus from technical feasibility to deployment speed and operational robustness. The European framework positions reuse as a mechanism to reduce abstraction, mitigate environmental impacts and support climate adaptation.
In Spain, the transition from the traditional quality-based model towards a risk-based approach introduces stricter requirements in terms of traceability, monitoring and shared responsibility. As a result, reclamation systems must not only achieve target water quality, but also ensure reliability, auditability and adaptability under variable operating conditions.
Water reuse is no longer a complementary solution; it is becoming a strategic infrastructure asset driven by structural water stress
Regulatory change: water reclamation as distinct infrastructure
Royal Decree 1085/2024 explicitly defines water reclamation as an activity distinct from wastewater treatment, introducing a dual regulatory framework: one governing the production of reclaimed water and another governing its final use. This distinction has direct implications for infrastructure planning, requiring additional treatment lines and new authorisations.
Tags
- Water Reuse & Recycling
- Industrial Water Reuse
- Reuse
- Regulatory
- water reuse - regulations and permitting
- Water and Wastewater
- Spain