Non-Conventional Water Re-use in Agriculture in Mediterranean countries

Problem statement

Water pressure has widened the gap between supply and demand and to a deterioration in the quality of superficial and underground water sources in the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean countries are still torn between old and new water policies, and water shortage is not only related to increasing demand, but also to poor infrastructure and management practices.

Executive summary

The joint challenges of the MENAWARA project consist in providing additional resources by recycling drainage and wastewater, tapping water losses, rationalising water use practices and establishing operational governance models in line with national and international plans. The project is designed to enhance access to water through the treatment of wastewater for reuse as complementary irrigation and to strengthen the capacity of governmental institutions, non-state actors operating in the sector, technicians and farmers.

Technology description

In all intervention areas, the available hectares for agriculture use will increase and groundwater salinity will decrease, as well as the use of fertilisers. The project will reduce the stress on freshwater sources and improve the quality of treated wastewater in agriculture. New jobs will be created by incrementing the surface of fertile land equipped with innovative water supply solutions. The project will also contribute to increased farmers’ acceptance of the use of treated wastewater, thus saving fertilisers and increasing profit.

Who will benefit?
• farmer households using treated wastewater to irrigate olive trees, fodder and ornamental and fruit plants
• technicians from local institutions working in the fields related to the project activities
• local and national authorities
• people living in the target areas with access to enhanced water quality

Expected achievements
• 6 wastewater treatment plants equipped with low-cost pre and post-treatment systems to improve the quality of treated wastewater for agricultural purposes (Imhoff tank, permeable reactive barriers, sand filters, UV, chlorination, etc.)
• 46.5 hectares of land irrigated with treated wastewater through modern, efficient systems (low-cost innovative sprinklers, subsurface drip irrigation)
• 5 training sessions addressed to managers, technicians of local institutions, researchers and farmers
• 6 recommendation papers to promote the use of treated wastewater in agriculture
• 1 interactive web platform facilitating access to information related to best practices and legislation on non-conventional water management

Market deployment considerations

Environmental considerations