Strengthening alternative water resource management across Europe

adelphi tackles Europe's water scarcity in a new project, encompassing rainwater harvesting, water reclamation, and seawater desalination. The project aims to improve the reliability and effectiveness of alternative water resource management, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Europe is suffering from increasing water scarcity: extensive regions were affected by drought and drinking water shortages in 2022. Today, the Mediterranean and north-western Europe remain at risk. Water shortages are exacerbated by a growing population, climate change and inadequate water management strategies. In order to tackle these challenges, policymakers need to adopt a comprehensive water management strategy that includes the management of alternative water sources. 

The vast majority of water consumed in Europe is sourced from conventional water resources (CWR). This includes freshwater from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater, and springs. Alternative water resources (AWR), including rainwater harvesting, water reclamation and desalination are significantly less used (in 2018 less than 1% of total consumption, according to the European Environment Agency). As of now, there is a lack of knowledge regarding AWR as well as a negative societal perception toward its water quality. However, in instances where AWR is used, the produced water quality shows high results. Moreover, many European regions lack adequate AWR development and management strategies. Looking at the urgency of mitigating water scarcity, there is an imperative need to improve the reliability and effectiveness of AWR management.

RECREATE is a Horizon Europe project awarded by the European Commission. adelphi looks forward to drawing on its extensive experience with Horizon projects. We bring expertise in identifying replication and upscaling pathways for innovative water solutions. Through tasks like market analysis and feasibility studies, adelphi will evaluate the viability of AWR solutions, providing technology advice and support that considers the socio-economic and environmental context of each case study region. In addition, adelphi will use its broad networks and expertise to support stakeholder engagement and community practice development. Other AWR initiatives will be linked with RECREATE to leverage best practices from the extensive project network.