Local Stakeholder Workshop for the Besòs River Basin

On November 28, 2023, a group of over 25 local stakeholders in the water reuse realm gathered near Barcelona. They were from many different fields, including the public and research as well as agricultural, water operator and technology provider sectors, but had one objective: To develop a system-wide, zero-pollution strategy to support the use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation. This was the first of a series of workshops in the framework of the PROMSICES project which encompasses different Case Studies in the project. Together with the PROMISCES partners from EURECAT and Consorci Besòs Tordera, both involved in Case Study 3, we initiated the co-creation of a zero-pollution strategy.

 

Background

Water reuse has become a critical issue in the Barcelona region due to months of drought and resulting water shortages. Drinking water supplies have already been limited, and at the end of November, authorities declared a pre-emergency status due to the severity of the situation.

The Catalan Water Agency (ACA), alongside the Consorci Besòs Tordera (CBT), has been spearheading the Reclaimed Water Master Plan (RWMP) to combat the growing water scarcity by promoting water reuse. This plan involves the construction of a number of Reuse Water Plants (RWPs) and transportation infrastructure to meet urban, agricultural, industrial and environmental water demands.

The removal of persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances from wastewater is so far not considered in Reuse Water Plans. However, this might be needed if the water is to be used for agricultural purposes (irrigation) to prevent the PMT concentrations, found in crops, exceed human and environmental safety levels.

 

Intentions and Actions of the Workshop

The goal of the workshop was created by the participants at the beginning, receiving input from CBT who were presenting the Reclaimed Water Master Plan and from EURECAT who were offering insights on their Case Study on water reuse for agricultural irrigation.

By appliying several methods such as world cafés and brainstorming with sticky notes, the participants identified and prioritized barriers and enablers for water reclamation and possible solutions - the first steps towards a comprehensive strategy!

 

The next steps

The second and final stakeholder workshop for Case Study 3, scheduled for March 5, 2024, will take place online. This upcoming session aims to synthesize the array of solutions and facilitators identified into a cohesive strategy for the agricultural reuse of water in the Besòs River Basin.

This strategy will be incorporated in the Decision Support Framework developed by PROMISCES. Further, zero-pollution strategies are going to be developed in a series of workshops this year together with Case Study 2 and Case Study 4.