Perspectives of wastewater reuse in the mediterranean region

Abstract

The Mediterranean region only accounts for just over 2 % of the world fresh water resources, most of them (70 %) are concentrated within the northern shore countries. All the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries, except Turkey, are currently under water stress, with less than 1,000 m 3 /person/year of annual renewable water resources. In most countries of the Mediterranean, the vital importance of treating and safely reusing wastewater is being more and more recognized. Reused treated wastewater contributes considerably to the water budget in several countries, particularly those suffering from water scarcity. Important projects are being developed, and wastewater reclamation and reuse facilities are established following the local and/or national guidelines (Morocco, Jordan, France, Tunisia, Cyprus, etc.). However, only 75 % of the wastewater generated is treated, and only 21 % of the treated volume is formally reused. Regulations on wastewater reclamation and reuse are essential. They help to protect public health, develop cooperation among countries, increase water availability, prevent coastal pollution and enhance public policy on water resources and nature conservation. Also, they help every prospective user to be aware of existing limitations. Unifying regulations in Mediterranean countries would contribute to economic security and tourist exchanges in the region. Even within the individual countries, there is an ongoing controversy among defenders of strict water quality standards and those willing to put more emphasis on water reuse practices, suggesting less restrictive water quality standards particularly for undrinkable water uses. Expansion of treated wastewater reuse in the region is linked to a number of issues and constraints. The high cost of treatment and management of reclaimed wastewater is one of the major limitations facing the weak economy of most countries. Unclear polices, institutional conflicts and lack of regulatory frameworks constitute other important constraints that hinder implementation and proper operation of wastewater reuse projects. The manpower capacity differs from country to country, but additional training and capacity building are generally needed throughout the region. Using the treated effluent for irrigation purposes adds an economic driving force for investments in wastewater treatment. Another economic advantage of choosing agricultural irrigation as a final disposal solution for the treated effluent is that it permits low quality demands, especially with regard to nutrients removal. This chapter will address the integrated approach for reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater, the criteria and standards that should be applied for wastewater reuse in agriculture, the appropriate treatment technologies to be used for the Mediterranean areas, the viable options for reuse of wastewater, the most prominent constraints (technically, institutionally and financially), and the use of treated wastewater for agriculture within the parameters of socio-economic development in the Mediterranean region, including sustainability issues.