NECESSITY OF ESTABLISHING EU-GUIDELINES FOR WASTEWATER RECLAMATION AND REUSE: WITH EMPHASIS THE EU-MEDIRERRANEAN COUNTRIES

Some EU-countries, particularly the Mediterranean countries, are characterized by a severe water imbalance, mainly in the summer months.
This imbalance in water demand versus supply is due mainly to the relatively low and uneven distribution of precipitation, higher temperatures, increased demands for irrigation water, and the impacts of tourism.
To alleviate water shortages, serious consideration must be given to wastewater reclamation and reuse.
The technology is now available to produce repurified water of any desired water quality.
Reclaimed water can be used to reduce the demands on the available water supplies and to reduce costs.
Decentralized reclamation and reuse can be used in a variety of applications, including the prevention of coastal pollution.
Reclaimed wastewater should be considered a reliable source of water in formulating public policy related to the conservation of natural resources and sustainability.
Although the potential for wastewater reclamation and reuse in the Mediterranean countries is relatively high, only a few countries and states have recognized and exploited the value of reclaimed water.
In those countries and states, laws and regulations exist that mandate water reuse under certain conditions.
To increase the amount of reclamation and reuse in the EU-countries, the development of a uniform set of reuse standards and guidelines is essential.

II International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops

A.N. Angelakis, G. Tchobanoglous

Water availability, microbiological quality criteria, criteria for irrigation, Minoan civilization, Mediterraean countries, wastewater treatment

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.449.93