Wastewater: A Hidden Resource for Agriculture
When you think of wastewater, you likely imagine bad-smelling, murky liquids containing human waste, sewage, food scraps, and chemicals. While it’s true that untreated wastewater is an environmental hazard, it holds untapped potential as a resource for sustainable agriculture and global food security. With half the world’s population expected to experience severe water stress by 2030, it’s time to view wastewater as a solution rather than a liability.
Turning Wastewater into Opportunity
Every day, the world generates massive volumes of wastewater. Recent estimates value global wastewater discharge at 400 billion m³/year. While wastewater is mostly water (99%) with 1% suspended and dissolved solids like nutrients, pathogens, and pollutants, it can’t be used untreated. However, when properly treated, it becomes a rich resource for water and nutrients, helping address food and water security challenges.
Hydrotech solutions focus on maximizing the potential of wastewater through advanced treatment technologies that ensure its safe use in agriculture and other industries.
Why Treatment Is Essential
Using untreated wastewater in irrigation can harm soil, crops, groundwater, and public health. Effective treatment removes contaminants, converting wastewater into a safe and valuable resource. Treated wastewater provides year-round water availability, supplementing limited natural resources for industries, municipalities, and especially agriculture.
Despite its potential, only 1% of the water used globally comes from reclaimed wastewater due to high treatment costs, limited regulations, and public concerns. Hydrotech is addressing these challenges by developing efficient, cost-effective treatment methods to encourage greater adoption.
Global Examples of Wastewater Reuse
Regions like Israel lead the way, recycling nearly 90% of their wastewater, with 45% used for agriculture. By investing in cutting-edge technologies, including Hydrotech solutions, Israel has demonstrated how reclaimed water can secure agricultural and municipal water needs.
In North America and Europe, treated wastewater reuse remains low, representing only 3.8% and 2.4% of total treated wastewater, respectively. However, if fully utilized, treated wastewater in Europe could meet 44% of agricultural irrigation needs, significantly reducing reliance on natural sources.
Drip Irrigation: A Game-Changer
Drip irrigation addresses the challenges of safely dispersing reclaimed wastewater. Its precise water delivery minimizes health risks, eliminates runoff, and prevents groundwater contamination. However, high levels of solids in wastewater can clog systems. The good news is that Netafim, Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business, has developed advanced filtration technologies to ensure efficient drip system operation with treated effluent.
Innovative Applications
Netafim’s partnerships worldwide showcase the creative use of treated wastewater in agriculture:
● California: An award-winning solution blends dairy wastewater with freshwater, turning manure waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer applied through drip systems. This process reduces reliance on commercial fertilizers and improves soil health.
● Italy: Netafim Italy’s controlled system disposes of biogas facility effluent via drip irrigation, using treated wastewater as a sustainable fertilizer while cutting costs and transportation needs.
From Waste to Resource
Water scarcity and growing demand underscore the need for sustainable wastewater reuse. By adopting Hydrotech solutions and precision irrigation practices, we can transform wastewater into a vital resource. Shifting to a circular economy where wastewater is valued as an asset will play a critical role in feeding a growing global population.
