Seeking sustainable solutions for water supply It 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 relieving pressure on aquifers and ensuring a stable supply in agriculture and other strategic sectors.
In this context, the Junta de Andalucía It has taken the national lead in its commitment to the use of reclaimed water, supporting its initiatives with 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 great milestones of the region is the launch of the Parra Plan, an ambitious strategy that aims 165 millones de euros to promote the use of reclaimed water in agricultural irrigation. This program has received proposals from up to forty irrigation communities Located in all the main basins of Andalusia, with a total value of works reaching 176 million euros.
The goal is to offer farmers new water resources so that they can maintain the productivity of their crops without relying exclusively on conventional sources, which are increasingly subject to climatic pressure and overexploitation.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has highlighted the importance of this measure, underlining the challenge of achieving an agricultural sector "profitable and sustainable"The administration also strengthens support with subsidies to irrigation communities to modernize irrigation systems and optimize water use efficiency.
Innovation and pilot projects: Andalusia, European laboratory for reclaimed water
Andalusia not only supports investment, but also actively participates in innovation initiatives. In this regard, the European I-ReWater project, whose purpose is to develop and test formulas for sustainable management of water resources in irrigated agriculture.
Framed in the regulations and technological advances in Spain, I-ReWater has the collaboration of 16 entities from Spain, Andorra, Portugal and France, and has a budget greater than 2,2 millones de euros, co-financed mainly by European ERDF funds.
The project focuses on the development of fifteen pilot tests on agricultural plots, covering various crops—watermelon, hops, grapes, almonds, tomatoes, and table olives. To achieve this, wastewater is collected, treated, and subjected to strict quality controls using technologies such as artificial wetlands, ultrasound, sand filtration, and mesh. 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 advances and investment, one of the great challenges is the social acceptance of reclaimed waterIn Andalusia, awareness of the value of this resource is high, driven by years of drought and pressure on aquifers. According to recent studies, seven out of ten Andalusians are willing to use recycled water for certain purposes, especially in agriculture, garden irrigation, or cleaning.
However, certain issues persist misgivings about domestic usesWhile citizens support its use for sanitation, irrigation, and industrial cleaning, acceptance declines when it's used for showering, cooking, or direct consumption. Only four out of ten people consider it suitable for preparing food, and barely a quarter would be willing to consume it as drinking water.
By 2027, the Andalusian Government foresees that a 6% of the water used in the region is regenerated, in line with European regulations and the sustainability objectives set for the 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 such as Saint-Gobain PAM They are innovating with the launch of specific pipelines such as the pipeline PAM URBITAL C25, designed to withstand the demands of agricultural irrigation with this type of water. These technical solutions incorporate durable materials, advanced coatings, and distinctive finishes that improve identification and efficient transportation of the resource.
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 programmes, such as the Terrassa's Digital Transition and Water Cycle Efficiency Improvement Project, 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: The reclaimed water is progressively integrated in water planning, with investments, scientific trials, and awareness campaigns. Although cultural and technical challenges remain, the community continues to invest in innovative solutions to ensure the future of water and promote a circular economy in the use of water resources.
