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It is well known that in recent decades the scarcity of a basic resource such as water has been increasing in many land areas, as is the case of the Valencian Community. This is having serious effects on our environment and our economy. Hence, apart from adopting water efficiency measures, it is appropriate to address the reuse of treated wastewater as a safe and viable means of increasing water supply by reducing the pressure on already overexploited water resources.

Our traditional approach to water consumption needs to be reconsidered in order to adopt new strategies that enable this vital resource to be reused to the maximum extent possible. This paradigm shift involves moving towards a circular economy approach in which wastewater is no longer seen as waste, but as a valuable resource in a context of water scarcity. A combination of regulations, incentives and the intervention of all actors involved will be key to transform water management criteria.

In turn, water reuse in agriculture also contributes to nutrient recycling by promoting less use of chemical fertilisers. Therefore, the promotion of the treated wastewater reuse sector should have a special role in the framework of circular economy.