VIDEO: Water reuse - Key to Europe's water resilience

To effectively tackle the many water challenges facing Europe, one approach is vital – water reuse. Potable water is a precious resource, though too often it is only used once.

Drinking water is also frequently used where non-potable water would suffice, for example for washing dishes. Particularly in areas with low rainfall, water retention and reuse are essential for preserving supply.  

Luckily, we already have the technology and know-how to effectively reuse water. Water technology company Xylem has demonstrated that bacteria, contaminants, and chemicals can all be removed from wastewater, allowing it to be used again.

Veolia, one of the leaders in water processing for reuse, is also keen to highlight how reused water is a resource that can boost industry, shield agriculture from drought and protect our water sources from over-extraction.  

A key element in ensuring that these technologies are successfully applied is legislation. The EU has a range of competencies impacting water management, as well as directives and regulations, that cover water management and reuse.

As emphasised by the European Commission Director for Zero Pollution and Green Cities, Veronica Manfredi, without smart and coordinated action by EU member states, 50% of citizens could be living in areas with severe water management issues by 2030. Effective implementation of EU water management legislation is therefore crucial to strengthening water resilience and safeguarding Europe’s future. 

Water reuse is not the only solution for boosting water resilience, but it is an effective tool that can be applied at all levels of society and the economy.

Click here to learn more, and see what you can do to help create a #WaterWiseEU.

#WaterWiseEU campaign  

The video above has been prepared by a partner of the #WaterWiseEU campaign. The EU-wide campaign focuses on water resilience, aiming to change the way we see, use and value water.

Find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved.