HOW WASTE WATER CAN HELP TACKLE WATER SHORTAGES

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Context

The challenges posed by severe heat waves, drought, and water scarcity in Europe, particularly during the year 2023.

Details

• Europe has witnessed recurrent severe heat waves and droughts, including in 2023.
• Large parts of Central and Southern Europe are facing drought due to inadequate rainfall.
• Countries like the Czech Republic and Lithuania experienced widespread drought

Challenges and Causes

• Human-induced climate change contributes to Europe's water crisis by intensifying heat waves and droughts.
• Growing demand for water is exacerbated by increased extraction by industry, agriculture, and households.
• Industry, agriculture, and households extract 50%, 40%, and 10% of Europe's water resources respectively.

Water Scarcity Impact

• In the European Union, 11% of citizens are affected by water scarcity.
• Households may face water use restrictions due to falling water supplies.
• Energy sector was impacted, as warm river water forced French authorities to shut down nuclear power plants.

Potential Solutions: Wastewater Reuse

• Treated industrial and domestic wastewater could aid agriculture.
• New EU regulations mandate processing wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
• Reusing water could replace groundwater-based irrigation significantly, particularly in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece.

Concerns and Considerations

• Water quality is crucial for safe wastewater reuse.
• Proper filtration is necessary to prevent soil and plant contamination.
• Some sectors lack suitable processing plants for safe wastewater treatment.
• Transportation costs impact recycled water adoption in distant fields.

Complexities of Water Use Policy

• EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) may inadvertently encourage excessive water use.
• Efforts to optimize irrigation include efficient methods like drip irrigation.
• Choosing less water-dependent crops, such as wheat or legumes, can conserve water.

Infrastructure and Conservation

• Water transportation infrastructure maintenance is vital to prevent wastage.
• Up to 25% of the EU's freshwater is lost due to leaky pipes.
• Countries with water shortages invest less per citizen in leaky infrastructure repairs.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/how-wastewater-tackle-water-shortages-8910919/