Methodologies for feasibility studies related to wastewater reclamation and reuse projects

Abstract

About 20% of the total surface water in Europe is strongly threatened due to pollution problems, and 60% of European cities over-exploit their groundwater resources. The European Framework Water Directive established that by the year 2015 “a good ecological state” of all European water resources and a sustainable use of water must be achieved. Wastewater reuse presents a promising solution to the growing pressure on Europe's water resources. However, wastewater reuse implementation in Europe faces obstacles that include insufficient public acceptance; technical, economic and hygienic risks; and lack of regulations. On the other hand, a very important aspect to implement a water reuse project is the feasibility study that was previously developed. Some of the work carried out in a European project called Integrated Concepts for Reuse of Upgraded Wastewater is described herein. One of the most important tasks of this project is to prepare guidelines on feasibility studies for water reuse systems. The defined structure to carry out feasibility studies and some guidelines to obtain an ecological, social and economical assessment is described.