Reusing Treated Wastewater for Irrigation in Urban Areas: Challenges and Opportunities for Green Spaces: Review

¹ Laboratory for Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and Environment (LAPABE), Faculty of Science, Mohamed Premier University, PB 717 60000, BV M6, Oujda, Morocco
² Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal, Multidisciplinary Research & Innovation Laboratory / Natural Resource Engineering and Environmental Impacts Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Khouribga, BP 145, Khouribga, Morocco
³ Biotechnology, Environmental Technology and Valorization of Bio-resources team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology Al-Hoceima, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: chaymae.boukhaffa.d24@ump.ac.ma

Abstract

As part of a policy of rational management of water resources, the reuse of treated wastewater is an innovative and sustainable solution to the growing challenges of water stress and scarcity. Particularly suited to arid regions such as Morocco, this practice offers a concrete solution for watering natural urban areas and golf courses, while contributing to the efficient and responsible management of water resources. Based on an analysis of existing studies and scientific works, this research deals with the progress made on an international and national scale. Countries such as Spain and France have implemented effective solutions, supported by strict regulatory frameworks and advanced treatment technologies. In Morocco, projects to reuse treated wastewater to irrigate golf courses in Marrakech bear witness to the feasibility of this practice. However, a number of challenges remain, notably in terms of infrastructure development, the problem of clogged irrigation systems and low awareness among stakeholders. To optimize this practice and overcome these limitations, it is necessary to establish specific regulations, strengthen infrastructures and conduct awareness-raising campaigns. Such an integrated strategy would guarantee long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits, while promoting optimized management of water resources and the sustainability of green spaces.