Page 8 - Environmental_Ecology
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Chapter 2 Reuse of water
2.1 The concept of water reuse
Water over-abstraction is a major cause of water stress. Main pressures from water consumption are
concentrated on irrigation and domestic demand, including tourism. Over the past thirty years, droughts
have dramatically increased in number and intensity in the EU and at least 11% of the European population
and 17% of its territory have been affected by water scarcity to date.
The potential role of treated wastewater reuse as an alternative source of water supply is now well
acknowledged and embedded within international, European and national strategies. UN Sustainable
Development Goal on Water specifically targets a substantial increase in recycling and safe reuse globally
by 2030. Water reuse is a top priority area in the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European
Innovation Partnership on Water.
Source: Water Reuse - Environment - European Commission
