The exchange of experiences related to the treatment and reuse of wastewater in the Mediterranean region and Europe was the purpose of the INNOVA-Med capacity building course in Ismailia, Egypt. Cornelius Laaser, Researcher at Ecologic, presented precautionary and mitigation measures in agricultural wastewater reuse, based on a case study from Wolfsburg, Germany.

The objective of the Coordination Action INNOVA-Med is to coordinate research activities of ongoing and recently completed EU and national projects dealing with the development of innovative technologies and practices for wastewater treatment and re-use. It shall thereby facilitate the transfer and use of knowledge and technology in the Mediterranean partner countries. Cornelius Laaser presented the Wolfsburg case study, where wastewater is treated for reuse in agricultural irrigation. He stressed the risks of such use and highlighted how these are met using a comprehensive set of rigorous technical and legal standards, as well as frequent monitoring. The case study draws on the Ecologic Institute project "Alternative water supply options" and their associated risks and mitigation measures.