One third of people living in the pan-European region are estimated to be living in countries facing considerable water stress – meaning demand exceeds the amount available for a set period[i].
Yet some countries are taking the lead and recycling treated wastewater. Cyprus for example reuses every drop of its water that would have been destined for waste!
Spain also converts a thunderous 347 million cubic metres of wastewater into irrigation for agriculture each year. In Israel, 280 million cubic metres of water are recycled – representing 83% of the country’s total treated wastewater.
Huge potential exists for saving water through economic incentives and behavioural changes.
If this interests you, find out more from p.104 in the sixth Global Environment Outlook report for the pan-European region.
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