A methodological approach for prioritizing water reuse projects in agricultural irrigation: a case study in spain
- Bolinches, Antonio
- Blanco Gutiérrez, Irene
- Zubelzu, S.
- Esteve, Paloma
- Gómez Ramos, Almudena
- Narciso Arcas Lario (dir.)
- María Dolores de Miguel Gómez (coord.)
Publisher: Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena
ISBN: 978-84-17853-43-3
Year of publication: 2021
Pages: 13-16
Congress: Congreso de Economía Agroalimentaria (13. 2021. Cartagena)
Type: Conference paper
Sustainable development goals
Abstract
Water reuse is a strategic priority for Water Authorities in Europe to reduce the pressure on water resources. However, its implementation is lagging behind expectations largely due to financial concerns. In this context, there is a special interest to identify in which specific Wastewater Treatment Plants it would be interesting to add a Water Regeneration Plant, taking account of potential existing clients in the vicinity and the implied costs and benefits. This paper proposes a methodology to quantify the infrastructure and operation costs of project implementation, and the benefits generated by the additional water offer. An algorithm designs the distribution network, allowing for a quick infrastructure cost analysis. The methodology is applied to the Upper Guadiana in Central Spain, where irrigation led to the overexploitation of the local aquifers and the subsequent restrictions on water use. Taking account of the existing Wastewater Treatment Plants, candidate reuse projects are ...