Waterketen aimed to promote the safe and sustainable reuse of treated industrial wastewater for agricultural irrigation and fertigation.
By developing a comprehensive testing matrix, the initiative evaluated wastewater from sectors like dairy, slaughterhouses, potato processing, breweries, and fermentation, considering treatment technologies, final water quality, crop types, soil conditions, and potential risks.
The project also outlines a legal framework aligning with EU water reuse regulations and the Flemish Manure Decree, ensuring compliance with microbial safety standards and nutrient application limits for nitrogen and phosphorus.
The outcomes provide a practical pathway for integrating reclaimed water into agriculture, improving environmental sustainability and offering economic benefits to both farmers and industries.