The Region presents its model for the reuse of reclaimed water at the 1st European Forum on Water Resilience in Brussels
The Region presents its model for the reuse of reclaimed water at the 1st European Forum on Water Resilience in Brussels
The Community shared the leadership of the Region of Murcia in the field of reclaimed water reuse during the first edition of the European Water Resilience Forum, which was held today in Brussels and organized by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR).
The event was created following the presentation, on June 4, of the European Water Resilience Strategy, whose aim is to improve water management in Europe, strengthen adaptation capacity in the face of scarcity, and promote a circular and innovative approach in the water sector. The Forum was held biennially and brought together all the stakeholders involved to assess progress and strengthen European cooperation in this area.
In this first edition, the Region of Murcia was selected to take part in the Water Resilience Solutions Exhibition, made up of twenty stands. The exhibition space, focused on efficient water use and the reuse of reclaimed water, was presented by the Director-General for Water, José Sandoval, together with part of the technical team from the Regional Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, in coordination with the Region of Murcia’s Office in Brussels.
Sandoval highlighted that “the Region of Murcia has once again shown that it is a European benchmark in circular water management, efficiency, and water-related technologies.”
The stand showcased Murcia’s wastewater treatment and reuse model, which has made it possible to achieve up to 96 percent reuse of treated water—a milestone made possible thanks to a system of 100 Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) and decades of continued investment in sanitation, regeneration, and technological innovation.
European leadership in water management
The Region of Murcia’s exhibition space, presented under the slogan ‘One step ahead. Every drop counts’, featured audiovisual and educational materials on treatment, regeneration, and water reuse. It also included an interactive model that visually demonstrated why the Region of Murcia is considered a water-resilient territory, thanks to an advanced governance system, a combination of conventional and non-conventional water resources, and the use of precision irrigation technology that prevents leaching in agriculture.
Sandoval emphasized that “the Region once again positioned itself as an example of responsible water management, demonstrating that innovation and long-term planning are key to ensuring water resilience.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about various irrigation monitoring and planning devices, as well as informational materials on regional investment programs for sanitation, treatment, regeneration, and reuse.
Additionally, the regional stand also showcased the EU-funded projects in which the Region of Murcia participates, related to the removal of emerging pollutants, improved governance, nitrate sensing and monitoring, and the promotion of new uses for reclaimed water.