Reuse for appropriate water supply at Österlen

Österlen is one of the areas in Sweden annually affected by reduced access to water.

Water shortages have a negative effect on society´s development, and in order to ensure a long-term and sustainable water supply, water needs to be re-evaluated.

Wastewater can be seen as a resource in a circular water system, but advanced wastewater treatment is required so as not to risk negative effects from pollutants like pharmaceutical residues etc.Simrishamn municipality is among the first in Sweden with a large-scale introduction of advanced wastewater treatment, which provides opportunities to create a circular water treatment with reduced load on recipients and a more stable water supply.

The next step is to look at how treated wastewater best can be reused.

Matching the need for different water qualities used for different purposes against the need in different places in the municipality is a complex challenge that, in addition to efficient and sustainable treatment technology, requires an understanding of social issues, legal conditions and distribution opportunities.The purpose of this feasibility study is to map how we best go from advanced wastewater treatment to reuse and circular water use in Simrishamn municipality.

The survey includes a needs analysis with water balance, assessment of water quality and requirements for recycling as well as system analysis of technical, legal and social conditions for returning treated wastewater to the water supply system.