The Camilian Studies Centre, in Vila Nova de Famalicão, hosted on 24 November the Technical Workshops of the I-ReWater SUDOE Project, an event organised by the partner Águas do Norte with the aim of disseminating innovative solutions for the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) and strengthening regional commitment to sustainable water management.
The event brought together representatives of water management bodies, municipal technicians, researchers and companies from the agricultural and industrial sectors, in a moment dedicated to reflecting on the challenges of water scarcity, operational efficiency and the future of water in the context of climate change.
The opening session was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Águas do Norte, António Cardoso, who emphasised the strategic importance of treated wastewater reuse for the territory, assuring that Águas do Norte is prepared to respond to the challenges of water scarcity. He highlighted the importance of projects such as I-ReWater in testing concrete, safe and sustainable solutions and in strengthening the resilience of urban and agricultural systems.
The I-ReWater project, funded by the Interreg SUDOE programme, brings together partners from Portugal, Spain and France to develop, test and disseminate treated wastewater reuse solutions, particularly for agricultural irrigation.
During the workshops, technicians from Águas do Norte and other organisations, as well as researchers, presented the main objectives of the project: to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of treated wastewater reuse in irrigation; to ensure the quality, safety and continuous monitoring of reclaimed water; to reduce freshwater consumption; to promote the circular economy and adaptation to drought phenomena; and to raise awareness among public decision-makers and the general public about the importance of reuse.
The presentation of the I-ReWater project was delivered by its coordinator, Javier Cancela, from the University of Santiago de Compostela. Miguel Campos, from Águas do Norte, in turn described the work being carried out by the company as a technological partner of the experimental pilot projects in the northern region (olive and almond groves) and in Alentejo (vineyards). The situation of Portugal’s hydro-agricultural potential was presented by Manuel António Silva, from the Confederation of Portuguese Farmers.
In the second afternoon panel, presentations followed on technologies for the production of reclaimed water, by João Venâncio from Veolia, and on the Reclaimed Water Action Plan of the AdP Group, presented by Carla Cupido from AdP Valor. The participatory process of I-ReWater continued through a survey conducted among the participants in these technical workshops, led by Paula Valle Fernandes from Águas do Norte.
Demonstrations and case studies of the pilot projects in Portugal
Throughout the day, several demonstrations and case studies from the I-ReWater pilot projects were presented, including experiences of irrigating crops with reclaimed water, showing that it is possible to save resources, protect rivers and aquifers and, at the same time, ensure agricultural productivity.
The Technical Workshops concluded with an address by Board Member Cristiana Barbosa, who reaffirmed Águas do Norte’s commitment to continuing to promote innovative solutions that strengthen territorial resilience, working to ensure that Águas do Norte becomes a national reference in efficient and sustainable water management.
The meeting helped to consolidate partnerships and advance the necessary dialogue to prepare the region’s water future, in a context of increasing pressure on natural resources.
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