SUDOE Region Will Target 25% Water Reuse by 2035
New international strategy will help farmers in Spain, Portugal, France, and Andorra adapt to water scarcity.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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Will regional water reuse strategies successfully provide enough water for agriculture by 2035?
The I-ReWater project has launched a strategic plan to increase reclaimed wastewater use across the SUDOE area by 2035. This initiative addresses the mounting pressure on freshwater supplies caused by rising temperatures and persistent drought conditions.
Why it matters
Expanding the use of treated wastewater is essential for securing agricultural irrigation as climate change limits traditional freshwater sources. This coordinated effort aims to stabilize water access and support the long-term viability of food production in the region.
Official data indicates that while Spain reused 343 hm³ of water in 2022, current reuse rates remain low across the SUDOE area, with France directing only 0.1% of treated wastewater to irrigation. The project sets a target of 25% average wastewater reuse across the region by 2035.
The players
I-ReWater
An international project focused on sustainable water management and reclaimed water strategies.
The details
The plan integrates wastewater treatment, irrigation, environmental protection, and economic viability into a cohesive regional framework. It employs six interconnected strategic axes to guide the implementation of new water-processing technologies. These methods ensure that treated water is safely transitioned from domestic systems into agricultural supply chains.
Timeline
2022 served as the baseline year for current water reuse volumes.
2027-2029 will initiate the regulatory and technical foundations.
2030-2032 focuses on the consolidation of infrastructure and cooperation.
2033-2035 facilitates the expansion phase for mainstream integration.
2035 marks the deadline for achieving the 25% regional reuse target.
Health Landscape
The plan signals a major departure from fragmented, national-level water management toward a unified transnational model. This evolution acknowledges that climate-driven water scarcity requires systemic changes in agricultural water sourcing and environmental resource management.
This project impacts the stability of the food supply chain, which may influence long-term food availability and costs in the affected nations. Consumers interested in resource management can track regional sustainability updates through their local agricultural departments.
The takeaway
Reliable water access is a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural output in warming climates. Tracking regional initiatives like this can help citizens understand how their local environment is adapting to long-term drought conditions.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of agriculture and sustainability, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Open Access Government.
Live Poll
Will regional water reuse strategies successfully provide enough water for agriculture by 2035?
