European regulation for the re-use of industrial water

Through the tertiary treatment of wastewater is possible the use of treated wastewater for purposes other than disposal in a natural aqueous system. The European Union provides a regulatory framework for this practice for many years, but most of us only recently discovering the outstanding benefits of reuse in terms of the optimization of resources and streamlining of internal processes. Here are some of the basic steps.

Directive 2000/60/EC: this standard establishes a framework for the water policy of the EU. Requires member states to promote the reuse of treated waste water to reduce the demand for fresh water and improve water quality – a goal can also be achieved through the reuse of industrial waste, which may contribute to the reduction of water pollution and improve water quality.

The directive for the industrial waste water (2013/39/EU) introduced the obligation of member states to promote the reuse of industrial waste water. The directive also provides that member states should set goals of re-use for various industrial sectors.

Commission regulation (EU) 2020/741, which entered into force on 26 June 2023: establishes minimum requirements for the reuse of treated municipal wastewater for irrigation purposes in agriculture (supplementary subject in that the reuse of industrial waste water).

 

Greek Law

The K.Y.A. 5673/400/1997 (F.E.K. 192Β/14-3-1997)entitled “Measures and Conditions for the treatment of Urban Waste water” is the main legislation, and provides that the treated wastewater can be discharged into water bodies or into sewers, on the condition that they meet certain quality requirements.

The minimum requirements for regular disposal of treated water in aqueous systems is as follows:

BOD5: 25 mg/l ,CODCr: 125 mg/l ,SS: 35 mg/l ,NH4-N: 10 mg/l, Ptot: 1 mg/l, E.coli: 1000 CFU/100 ml

 

As regards the framework for the reuse of treated wastewater, it is defined by the K.Y.A. 145116/2011 (GG 354/B 8.3.2011) "Determination of measures, conditions and procedures for the reuse of treated waste water". The JMD gives you all the specifications/ quality characteristics that you will need to have the water after the treatment depending on the type of use.

Typical results after the treatment of grey water

Parameters	TSS (mg/l)	BOD7 (mg/l)	COD (mg/l)	N (mg/l)	P (mg/l)	pH
Household Waste (grey waters only)	275	292	500	50	7.5	5-9
Parameters after the treatment MBR	<2	<10	<30	<10	<2	6-9
Parameters after the treatment NF	<1	<1	<1	<1	<1	6-9