Characterization of unplanned water reuse in the EU : final report

In order to assess policy options regarding requirements for water reuse via agricultural irrigation and groundwater recharge, the European Commission requested an additional source of information. Thus, the aim of this study was to benchmark the current degree of unplanned water reuse in Europe, in particular in areas that are practicing agriculture irrigation and artificial groundwater recharge using surface water. This assessment included a characterization of qualities of water sources currently used in agricultural irrigation in the EU, including direct and indirect reuse of treated wastewater. In addition, the extent of unplanned reuse and the impact of the development of planned (and direct) water reuse has been assessed for case studies in selected EU river basins in Spain, Italy, France and Germany.