We’re excited to introduce a comprehensive set of Policy Briefs from the B-WaterSmart project, aiming to reshape water governance and regulatory frameworks in Europe. These briefs tackle critical challenges by proposing actionable recommendations for policy reform at the EU, national, and local levels.

1. Unleashing the Energy Potential of Wastewater:
With the revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, all wastewater treatment plants serving over 10,000 people must achieve energy neutrality by 2045. This policy brief outlines how the sector can tap into wastewater’s untapped energy potential—equivalent to 5 times the energy needed for treatment. By enhancing biogas production and integrating renewable energy technologies, wastewater utilities could cut down Europe’s 1% electricity consumption from this sector and turn it into a source of sustainable energy.

2. Accelerating Water Reuse:
As Europe faces increasing water stress, the EU Water Reuse Regulation (2020/741) provides a crucial framework for safely reusing treated wastewater. However, only 2.4% of treated wastewater is currently reused across the EU. This brief highlights enablers like improved risk management tools and regulatory clarity, particularly focusing on agricultural irrigation and urban reuse, such as in Portugal’s PENSAARP 2030 strategy. Expanding this framework can significantly alleviate the pressure on freshwater resources.

3. Nutrient Recovery for Agriculture:
The EU’s Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan (INMAP) and the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive aim to reduce nutrient losses by 50% by 2030. This brief emphasises the role of urban wastewater and sludge as valuable sources of nitrogen and phosphorus for agriculture. Currently, 47% of sewage sludge is used in agriculture, offering a circular solution to nutrient management while addressing €22 billion in annual costs related to water pollution from nutrient loss.

4. Fostering Water-Smart Technologies:
Innovative solutions are key to realising water-smart systems. Living Labs in Spain, Norway, and Portugal have showcased real-world applications of these technologies, like the smart water allocation tool developed in Lisbon. This tool optimises water use across sectors, improving the efficiency of water reuse and phosphorus recovery. Scaling these solutions can drive Europe towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.

These policy briefs provide a roadmap to harmonising regulatory frameworks across Europe, with a clear focus on circular economy, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.