THE REUSE OF TREATED WASTEWATER: IS ITALY READY TO ADOPT THE REGULATION (EU) 2020/741 ?

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the state of the art of the wastewater reuse in Italy, taking into consideration the imminent adoption of the new Regulation (EU) 2020/741 which defines the minimum requirements for water reuse for agricultural irrigation and that is basically based on a risk management approach.

Starting from the analysis of the legislation in force and of the strong limitations on reuse still existing today, despite its enormous potential, the paper describes the key points of the Regulation and raises the question whether the country is ready for its full implementation.

Some obstacles still present to an effective water reuse are therefore highlighted: technical and economic-financial, of governance and mistrust from water distributors and product consumers.

The paper concludes with some food for thought on the enormous opportunity not to be missed to be concretely able to contribute to water resource saving, to the environment protection and to move towards to the circular economy.