Water Recycling in the Mediterranean Region

Interest in wastewater recycling in many parts of the world has grown in parallel with dramatically rising demand for dependable water supply for agriculture, industry, and the public. Water recycling and reuse provide a unique opportunity to augment traditional supplies, and can help to close the loop between water supply and wastewater disposal. Effective water reuse requires integration of water and recycled water supply functions. The successful development of this reliable water resource depends upon close examination and synthesis of elements, such as infrastructure and facilities planning, wastewater treatment plant siting, treatment process reliability, economic and financial analyses, water utility management, and public acceptance. The IWA Regional Symposium was organised to capitalise on the increasing interest in wastewater treatment and reuse which is especially pronounced in Mediterranean countries. Its main objective was to provide a forum to discuss the scientific and technological advances made in water recycling and reuse in agriculture, industry, groundwater recharge, and urban facilities, and to highlight future research and education needs. From over 120 papers presented in the symposium 38 were selected for this issue, focusing on: water recycling and reuse management; water recycling technologies; water recycling and reuse applications; public health and environmental issues; and water quality and regulatory issues. These proceedings will be a highly valuable source of information for all researchers, engineers, planners and managers interested in the safe, sustainable and economical reuse of treated wastewater.