The search for sustainable water supply solutions has become a priority in regions like Andalusia, where water scarcity dominates the political and social agenda. Reclaimed water, that is, water that has undergone advanced purification processes for reuse, is emerging as a key resource for easing pressure on aquifers and ensuring a stable supply for agriculture and other strategic sectors.
In this context, the Andalusian Regional Government has taken the lead nationally in its commitment to the use of reclaimed water, basing its initiatives on a historic investment and collaborative projects at both the regional and European levels, all accompanied by strategies to promote social acceptance and efficient management.
165 million to transform agricultural irrigation with reclaimed water
One of the region's major achievements is the implementation of the Parra Plan , an ambitious strategy that allocates €165 million to promote the use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation. This program has received proposals from up to forty irrigation communities located in all the main river basins of Andalusia, representing a total investment of €176 million.
The goal is to offer farmers new water resources so they can maintain the productivity of their crops without relying exclusively on conventional sources, which are increasingly subject to climate pressure and overexploitation.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, highlighted the importance of this measure, emphasizing the challenge of achieving a "profitable and sustainable" agricultural sector . The administration is also strengthening its support for irrigation communities through subsidies to modernize irrigation systems and optimize water use efficiency.
Innovation and pilot projects: Andalusia, European laboratory for reclaimed water
Andalusia is not only committed to investment, but also actively participates in innovation initiatives. In this regard, the European project I-ReWater stands out , whose aim is to develop and test methods for the sustainable management of water resources in irrigated agriculture.
Within the framework of regulations and technological advances in Spain , I-ReWater has the collaboration of 16 entities from Spain, Andorra, Portugal and France, and has a budget of more than 2,2 million euros , co-financed mainly by European FEDER funds.
The project focuses on developing fifteen pilot trials on agricultural plots, encompassing various crops—watermelon, hops, grapes, almonds, tomatoes, and table olives. For this purpose, wastewater is collected, treated, and subjected to rigorous quality controls using technologies such as constructed wetlands, ultrasound, sand filtration, and mesh screening. Initial results indicate that the quality of the reclaimed water meets European standards for agricultural irrigation.
Two of the most representative pilot plots are located in Carrión de los Céspedes (Seville), where factors such as soil condition, crop yield, and water consumption are monitored using advanced sensors. These experiments validate the viability of reclaimed water and document its impact over several production seasons.
Social challenges and citizen perception of reclaimed water
Beyond technical advancements and investment, one of the biggest challenges is gaining public acceptance of reclaimed water . In Andalusia, awareness of the value of this resource is high, driven by years of drought and the pressure on aquifers. According to recent studies, seven out of ten Andalusians are willing to use reclaimed water for certain purposes, especially in agriculture, watering gardens, or cleaning.
However, some reservations persist regarding domestic uses : while the public supports its use for sanitation, irrigation, or industrial cleaning, acceptance decreases when it comes to showering, cooking, or direct consumption. Only four out of ten people consider it suitable for food preparation, and barely a quarter would be willing to consume it as drinking water.
By 2027, the Andalusian Regional Government expects that 6% of the water used in the region will be regenerated , in line with European regulations and the sustainability objectives set for Mediterranean regions.
Technology and solutions tailored for efficient management
The development and adaptation of infrastructure is another fundamental pillar for the success of reclaimed water. Companies like Saint-Gobain PAM are innovating with the launch of specific pipelines such as the PAM URBITAL C25 , designed to withstand the demands of agricultural irrigation with this type of water. These technical solutions incorporate resistant materials, advanced coatings, and distinctive finishes that improve the identification and efficiency of water transport.
The transportation and distribution of reclaimed water requires modernization projects at both treatment plants and distribution networks, where the installation of specialized hydrants, sensors, and control systems helps minimize losses and manage the water cycle more intelligently.
This approach is complemented by European programs, such as the Digital Transition and Improvement in the efficiency of the water cycle project in Terrassa , which, although located outside of Andalusia, serves as an example of technological integration and sustainability in urban and agricultural water management.
The trend in Andalusia is clear: reclaimed water is being progressively integrated into water management planning, with investments, scientific trials, and awareness campaigns. Although cultural and technical challenges remain, the region continues to invest in innovative solutions to ensure the future of water and promote a circular economy in water resource use.
