Abstract
A comprehensive economic analysis of the associated costs and benefits derived from wastewater treatment is a prerequisite for ensuring long-term economic, environmental, and social sustainability. This study aims to improve the economic evaluation of wastewater reuse. A methodological framework is presented for the application of cost-benefit analysis to wastewater project plants. The method considers two alternative scenarios for the irrigation use of treated water: (i) for newly irrigated land; and (ii) as an alternative to current groundwater sources. A case study is carried out in Puglia, Southern Italy, where two thirds of irrigation water comes from groundwater. The results show that improved urban wastewater treatment would increase the regional availability of irrigation water by 60 million m3 per year, about 10% of the overall irrigation water demand. While treatment costs are highly dependent on the incoming effluent quality and plant size, the benefits are quite stable. These results point to a case-specific analysis, whereby the economic convenience of wastewater reuse could be assessed against the local context.
Highlights
There has long been a consensus that the direct reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural purposes offers a realistic supply alternative in many Mediterranean regions faced with water scarcity.According to the European Wastewater Directive [1], all wastewater must be treated before it can be disposed of in natural water bodies
A case study is carried out in the Puglia region Southern Italy, where two thirds of irrigation water comes from groundwater
The costs are high for small plants, whereas larger plants show the effects of economies of scale
Summary
There has long been a consensus that the direct reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural purposes offers a realistic supply alternative in many Mediterranean regions faced with water scarcity. According to the European Wastewater Directive [1], all wastewater must be treated before it can be disposed of in natural water bodies. Before treated wastewater can be directly used in agriculture, it requires an additional disinfection treatment to convert it to reclaimed wastewater. Wastewater treatment is expected both to increase water availability and enhance the environment, as recognized by the European Water Framework Directive [3]. Mediterraneanclimate, climate, characterized warm to hot, summers mild. Puglia characterized byby warm to hot, drydry summers andand mild to to cool, wet winters.
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