Irrigation reuse of urban treated wastewater: A qualitative analysis to support crop production in Campania

The sustainability of the agricultural sector is closely linked to the ability of territorial system to effectively address the challenges of water resource management in the context of climate change. The reuse of treated wastewater is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for ensuring a sustainable water supply in agriculture. This study proposes an innovative methodological approach aimed at identifying the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) potentially irrigable with treated wastewater, with particular attention to high value crops certified as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) in the Campania region. The methodology is based on the integration of data from three main sources: SIGRIAN, for mapping irrigated areas; EEA/SINTAI, for classifying wastewater treatment plants; and AGEA, for identifying land use in irrigated areas. This approach enables the association, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2020/741, of the water quality class required for each crop with that one potentially available from wastewater treatment plants, also taking into account the existence of suitable distribution infrastructures. The results of the analysis highlight that the proposed methodology, applied to agricultural sector in Campania, with a focus on high-quality production, can effectively guide public policies in promoting targeted infrastructure investments. These investments aim to protect areas most vulnerable to drought and support high value crops, particularly certified ones, through the adoption of advanced technological solutions and integrated water resource planning, which are key to ensuring the resilience and long-term prosperity of the regional agricultural sector.