In the context of climate emergency and increasing water scarcity, the DECIDEIX project, led by the technology centre Eurecat, has been launched to develop planning tools for the safe implementation of water reuse models. The project will validate the safety and feasibility of a pilot based on Direct Potable Reuse (DPR).
This model involves applying additional treatments to treated wastewater to make it suitable for potable use, without passing through rivers or aquifers. DPR is already regulated or in the process of regulation in regions such as California, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, and Chile, but it is not yet contemplated in European legislation.
DECIDEIX is a pioneering innovation project in Europe, led by Eurecat in collaboration with Aigües de Barcelona, Catalan Water Partnership (CWP), Cetaqua, the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).
The project kickoff meeting was held at Eurecat’s Manresa headquarters, and the project is co-financed by the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) under its R&D&I grants line dedicated to circular economy and water reuse.
Soon, construction of a pilot will begin at the Gavà wastewater treatment plant, along with the expansion of the Decision Support System (SAD) developed in the SUGGEREIX project (funded by ACA in 2018), to include direct and indirect potable uses, supporting water reuse strategies in Catalonia and the creation of an international network of reuse experts.
The metropolitan water deficit could reach 130 hectometres³ by 2027 if urgent action is not taken. During the recent drought, regenerated water from the Baix Llobregat Regeneration Station was pushed upstream into the Llobregat River and then captured downstream by the Sant Joan Despí drinking water plant, representing the first Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) case in Europe. This proved to be a viable and sustainable solution for ensuring water resilience in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
DECIDEIX, which will run for 31 months, builds on the experience of the SUGGEREIX project with the same partners. Its goal is to facilitate access to information about regenerated water resources in Catalonia and support decision-making regarding water treatment.
The pilot’s conclusions will provide scientific and methodological evidence to assess, in the future, the regulation of direct potable reuse at regional or national levels, contributing to the safety and sustainability of water resources in the metropolitan area.
