Wastewater Reuse: Problems and Challenges in Cyprus, Turkey, Jordan and Morocco

In many situations in various countries wastewater is simply too valuable to waste. The Mediterranean countries are characterized by a severe water imbalance, mainly in the summer months, especially those located in the North Africa and Middle East region. This imbalance in water demand versus supply is due mainly to the relatively and uneven distribution of precipitation, high temperatures, increased demands for irrigation water and the impacts of tourism. To alleviate water shortages serious consideration must be given to wastewater reclamation and reuse. The sustainable wastewater treatment and reuse is a continuous challenge. MEDAWARE project funded by the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, seeks to develop a methodology for the safe wastewater reuse in the countries of this region. Through this project a methodology which deals with the main issues that are related with the problematic treatment and reuse of wastewater is being developed. This paper gives an overview of the project’s methodology while at the same time provides an insight on the existing situation prevailing in various countries in relation to wastewater management and