Challenges for Circular Economy under the EU 2020/741 Wastewater Reuse Regulation

Abstract

Wastewater reuse is seen as an opportunity to support a circular economy and optimize water resources. However, the use of wastewater is limited by the need for the proper protection of health and the environment and demands a certain minimum quality of treated reclaimed water. The objective of this work is to evaluate the opportunities both for the agents in the water treatment chain (from municipalities to farmers) and for technology providers under the recently approved Regulation EU-2020/741. The new market and opportunities require new value chains, technology development, governance, risk assurance, and adapted local regulation. Bottlenecks also pose technological, environmental, institutional, economic, and social challenges. The identified needs and barriers must be properly addressed in order to accelerate the transformation of the water sector toward the circular economy. As a conclusion, Reg EU 2020/741 introduces minimum requirements for urban wastewater reuse and requires the definition of risk management and transparency. The real impact of regulation on circular-economy objectives is limited by water scarcity and crop profitability. Social acceptance is critical for success.