In a move to combat water scarcity and promote sustainability, the French government has issued a new decree allowing the reuse of treated wastewater and rainwater in agricultural, industrial, and nuclear facilities.
The decision aims to reduce pressure on freshwater resources and support eco-friendly water consumption practices.
According to the decree, non-potable water can now be used in certain household activities, provided it does not pose any direct or indirect health risks.
The new regulation applies to facilities classified for environmental protection, including livestock farms, grain silos, wind power stations, chemical plants, cement factories, textile industries, and paper manufacturing.
Additionally, it covers key nuclear sites such as reactors and radioactive material storage facilities.
Under the decree, strict quality standards and technical guidelines will be set for using treated water in activities like washing clothes and indoor surfaces, disposing of organic waste, feeding decorative fountains, cleaning outdoor areas, and irrigating gardens and green spaces.
A separate ministerial decision also outlines the technical requirements for using non-potable water in these facilities.
This initiative is part of France's "Water Plan," announced by President Emmanuel Macron in March 2023, which aims to reuse 10% of treated wastewater by 2030. Currently, France reuses only 1% of its treated water potential.