Evaluating wastewater reuse and resource management in Moldova: potential for agricultural use and compliance with EU standards

This study supports the Green Agenda’s goal of enhancing Moldova’s alignment with EU standards, thereby facilitating the country’s environmental and infrastructural advancements.

Moldova is working towards fulfilling EU accession requirements by transitioning to a more sustainable economy. This includes aligning with Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on water reuse, which focuses on establishing minimum requirements for water quality, monitoring and risk management to encourage a circular economy and address water scarcity and climate adaption challenges.

Study purpose

The two-stage study, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova, explores the potential of wastewater reuse in agriculture. The study is designed to assess various factors such as water scarcity, wastewater treatment status, and agricultural needs, to determine the feasibility and impact of reusing reclaimed wastewater for irrigation.

Importance of water reuse

Reusing wastewater is critical for managing Moldova’s water resource limitations and reducing human-induced pressure on water supplies. It aligns with climate adaptation objectives, particularly in response to impacts of drought, and to support the adoption of circular economy practices.

Project timeline

Stage one: Rapid scoping asssessment – September 2024 to February 2025

Stage two: In-depth Assessment – by the end of 2025

The study will provide essential insights to guide Moldova’s decisions on implementing reclaimed wastewater use in agriculture, thus supporting sustainable water management and enhancing environmental resilience.