Over the past two and a half years, the WaterMan project has concentrated on advancing water reuse and enhancing capacity across the Baltic Sea region. Although the reuse of treated municipal wastewater and surface runoff is well established in many parts of Europe and globally, it remains relatively uncommon in the Baltic Sea region. Nevertheless, increasing climate-related pressures and growing water scarcity are intensifying the demand for sustainable water management strategies.
Within the framework of the WaterMan project, five pilot measures, designed to continue beyond the project's duration, have been implemented across the region, accompanied by four feasibility studies. Each participating region has developed a context-specific strategy to promote water reuse, taking into account national regulatory frameworks, water demand, and stakeholder priorities.
This presentation will summarize the key outcomes of the project, with particular emphasis on the Berlin feasibility study, which investigates the potential for reusing treated municipal wastewater for urban and agricultural irrigation and industrial applications. We will discuss lessons learned, forthcoming actions, and the project’s central deliverable: the Water Recycling Toolbox, a practical resource intended to support municipalities, utilities, and other stakeholders in the implementation of water reuse solutions.