LIFE WARRIOR

In semi-arid regions, water reuse has proven to be the most sustainable alternative to the use of desalinated seawater and imported water in terms of economics and environmental impact. However, despite its advantages, water reuse is still far from its full potential and is only practiced in certain territories of the European Union.

In 2020, the European Commission created a regulatory framework (EU 741/2020) with the aim of establishing minimum quality requirements for reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation, more restrictive than the existing regulation in Spain.

LIFE WARRIOR aims to develop and validate an innovative water reclamation scheme to ensure that reclaimed water meets all the necessary requirements for crop irrigation, in line with European regulations.

A sustainable, cost-effective and circular solution to ensure the safety of reclaimed water

The solution proposed by this project is based on two technologies.

• Reused ultrafiltration membranes: Reused ultrafiltration membranes from drinking water treatment plants will be used, where they are more demanding in terms of quality than in regeneration plants.
• Ultraviolet LED lamps: A disinfection process with low energy consumption and without chemical products will be applied, using ultraviolet lamps with LED technology, as opposed to the mercury lamps normally used.

LIFE WARRIOR’s digital tool

 This system will be coupled to a digital tool consisting of a decision support system that will help to estimate and extend the lifespan of ultrafiltration membranes. This tool, which will be marketed separately, will also have a risk calculation system, with digitized sanitary safety plans.

In addition, with the aim of promoting the reuse of used membranes following a circular economy model, LIFE WARRIOR will develop a platform called Re-UF Market Place, which will connect suppliers of used membranes, mainly water operators or administrations that operate water treatment plants, with end users.

LIFE WARRIOR is a European project co-funded by the LIFE Programme (LIFE21-ENV-ES-WARRIOR 101074367), the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. This website reflects only the author’s view. The European Comission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.