Spain positions itself as a global leader in circular water management
Within the framework of the technical conference held in BariEntitled «Il Riuso delle Acque Depurate como risorsa strategica», the president of the Asociación Española de Desalación y Reutilización (AEDyR), Belén Gutiérrez, has outlined the pillars that support the leadership of España in the area of circular water economy. The intervention, organized by AIDARA (its Italian counterpart), has served to highlight that the country already processes between 10% and 12% of its total treated wastewater, a figure that places it at the forefront of the Unión Europea.
During the international round table on best practices in the Mediterranean basin, special emphasis was placed on the water security and installed capacity, critical factors for global business and agricultural and industrial stability. Gutiérrez He emphasized that Spain not only possesses the necessary technology, but also a robust regulatory framework that guarantees the quality of the resource for various uses.
Regional milestones and regulatory framework: Royal Decree 1085/2024
Spain's success is based on high-performing regional case studies and pioneering legislation. Gutiérrez specifically cited the Región de Murcia and Comunidad Valenciana as drivers of this industry. He also highlighted the impact of Real Decreto 1085/2024, a regulation that prioritizes public health and establishes extremely rigorous quality standards, strengthening the country's resilience to climate crises.
| Reuse Indicator | Key Data / Region | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of water reused in Spain | 10-12% of treated wastewater | Volume leadership in the UE |
| Reuse rate in Murcia | Nearly 98% | A global benchmark in efficiency |
| Largest absolute volume reused | Comunidad Valenciana | Key support for agriculture and industry |
| Supply capacity in the Llobregat | Up to 25% of regional consumption | Supplying 5 million people |
The Llobregat case: Innovation in indirect drinking water use
One of the points of greatest interest to international experts has been the project for the basin of Llobregat en CataluñaThis system is a pioneer in Europa by integrating high-quality reclaimed water directly into the riverbed for subsequent treatment. "The reuse technology is fully prepared to produce reclaimed water that meets all quality standards with complete safety," stated the president of AEDyR.
- Circular Management: Integration of non-conventional resources into the urban water cycle.
- Resilience: Supply guarantee for the metropolitan area of Barcelona in periods of extreme drought.
- Scalability: A replicable model in other geographies with water stress such as Grecia, Francia o Italia.
The meeting included the participation of leading experts such as Efthymios Lytras (EYDAP S.A.), Samson Bellières (Plan Bleu – UNEP/MAP), and representatives of institutions such as the Universidad de L’Aquila, the Polytechnic University of Bari y ENEA. The presence of AEDyR en Italia It reaffirms that the Spanish model is the mirror in which Mediterranean powers look to ensure their water future.
Key points and frequently asked questions about water reuse
What position does Spain occupy in the European reuse ranking?
Spain is currently the leader in volume of reused water within the Europa, processing between 10% and 12% of its treated wastewater.
What is the importance of Royal Decree 1085/2024?
It is the regulation that defines the permitted uses and safety criteria, ensuring that the reclaimed water meets strict health standards for its agricultural, industrial and civil use.
What is the indirect potable reuse mentioned in the Llobregat?
It is an advanced process where the reclaimed water is poured into a natural watercourse (such as a river). Llobregat) to be captured and subsequently treated to make it potable, covering up to a quarter of the consumption of Barcelona in drought.
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