Project
Droughts in Germany
The current drought phases in various regions of Germany highlight the need to rethink previous water management approaches. Further impacts on agriculture are to be expected in view of the predicted climate change, so that the topic of "wastewater reuse" is gaining in importance in Germany. At the European level, new European legislation establishing uniform minimum quality criteria for agricultural reuse is due for implementation.
Possible Solution - Water reuse
The aim of the FlexTreat project is to promote safe water reuse in agriculture by developing and demonstrating flexible technical and natural treatment systems adapted to agricultural needs. Innovative process combinations are being tested and further developed at four sites on a pilot or large scale with respect to a wide range of physical, chemical and microbiological water quality parameters. Particular focus is placed on possible synergies with trace substance removal and innovations in the area of process monitoring through the use of digital applications, which can ensure demanding quality targets such as unrestricted irrigation at all times.
Innovative, integrated approach
In addition, an integrated assessment approach will be developed and tested that combines water quality, health risks, system resilience, and economic and environmental dimensions. To promote reuse potential, issues of water reuse acceptability and transferability of FlexTreat solutions will be addressed with the involvement of potential users. In addition, inputs for implementation guidelines, including a guide on risk management with respect to the European minimum requirements and a guide on "Technologies for Safe Water Reuse in Agriculture" will be developed.
Divided into five work units, the different project partners can apply their respective expertise.