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Unlocking the Potential of Reclaimed Water: Analysis of the Challenges and Market Size as a Strategic Solution for Water Scarcity in Europe

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  • Víctor Fabregat

    (Department of Engineering and Innovation, Regenera Energy, C. Molina de Segura, 8, 30007 Murcia, Spain)

Abstract

The reclaimed water sector is poised for significant growth driven by urbanization, technological advancements, and increasing demand for alternative water sources, with an emphasis on improving treatment capacities and promoting water reuse for various applications. This study examines the challenges and market potential of reclaimed water as a strategic solution to address water scarcity in Europe, assessing the regulatory framework, associated risks, and reuse potential. A multi-phase analysis was conducted, including a review of the European directives, an analysis of water scarcity, an evaluation of wastewater reuse potential, identification of risks and technological challenges, and segmentation of the reclaimed water market across various European regions. Results highlight the significant underutilization of treated wastewater in Europe; only about 3% of urban wastewater is reused, equal to 1 billion m 3 /year (2.4% of effluent, <0.5% of freshwater withdrawals). Wastewater is often regarded as a pollutant rather than a resource; yet, advances in recycling and treatment technologies have increased safety and efficiency, making it a practical solution to water scarcity while strengthening climate resilience. At the strategic level, the study concludes that Europe holds strong potential for water recovery and a substantial opportunity to tackle water scarcity through innovative recovery solutions, thereby contributing to sustainability, fostering a circular economy, and promoting planetary health.

Suggested Citation

  • Víctor Fabregat, 2025. "Unlocking the Potential of Reclaimed Water: Analysis of the Challenges and Market Size as a Strategic Solution for Water Scarcity in Europe," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:16:y:2025:i:3:p:43-:d:1742083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jurgita Malinauskaite & Bertrand Delpech & Luca Montorsi & Matteo Venturelli & Wolfgang Gernjak & Morgan Abily & Tadej Stepišnik Perdih & Eleni Nyktari & Hussam Jouhara, 2024. "Wastewater Reuse in the EU and Southern European Countries: Policies, Barriers and Good Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-23, December.
    2. Víctor Fabregat & Juana María Pagán, 2025. "A Green Chemistry and Energy- and Cost-Effective Approach in Innovative Advanced Oxidation Processes Through Photoactive Microgels for Sustainable Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-22, March.
    3. Rabia M. Chaudhry & Kerry A. Hamilton & Charles N. Haas & Kara L. Nelson, 2017. "Drivers of Microbial Risk for Direct Potable Reuse and de Facto Reuse Treatment Schemes: The Impacts of Source Water Quality and Blending," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-20, June.
    4. Agung Kusumawardhana & Ljiljana Zlatanovic & Arne Bosch & Jan Peter van der Hoek, 2021. "Microbiological Health Risk Assessment of Water Conservation Strategies: A Case Study in Amsterdam," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-17, March.
    5. Muhammad Umar, 2022. "From Conventional Disinfection to Antibiotic Resistance Control—Status of the Use of Chlorine and UV Irradiation during Wastewater Treatment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-20, January.
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