RD 1085/2024 vs RD 1620/2007: Implications of the new reuse regulations

The publication of theRoyal Decree 1085/2024marks a significant advance in the regulation of water reuse in Spain, adapting to European standards and improving the previous legal framework,Royal Decree 1620/2007this article highlights the main differences and update points between the two regulations, aimed at water sector professionals and users interested in sustainable water management

The 10 keys to the new RD 1085/2024

1. General provisions: announced the creation of the “Transparent water management seal“for those that meet information and good water management objectives.
2. Chapter I: identifies the object of RD 1085/2024the aim of this project is to bring together in a single document the legislation to be applied in Spain for the reuse of reclaimed water, simplifying the regulations to be applied as much as possible and providing incentives for its use.
3. Chapter II: explains the authorization application procedure for the production and supply of reclaimed water, indicating that it will be initiated at the electronic site of the competent authority.
4. Chapter III and ANNEXES: establish the potential uses of reclaimed water.
5. Chapter IV: establishes the quality requirements and conformity assessment. If the water will have multiple uses, the most stringent conditions shall apply unless barriers are provided for the most limiting uses.
6. Chapter V: meetsrelevant information on how to proceed with the risk management plans to determine hazardous agents, necessary barriers or additional requirements to promote safe reuse.
7. Chapter VI: establishes the measures to promote reuseby means of aid and other tools. Administrations responsible for water supply, sanitation and treatment with more than 50,000 inhabitants should draw up plans to promote the Use of reclaimed water for urban uses.
8. ANNEX I: establishes thequality requirements of reclaimed water according to Use.
9. ANNEX II: clarifies thequality Controller of reclaimed water.
10. ANNEX III: sheds light on key elements of risk management and recommended barriers according to Type of water and the use it will have.

5 main changes between the two regulations

1. Agglutination and clarification of responsibilities and compliance parameters

Unified regulations: Centralization facilitates compliance and monitoring of regulations by all stakeholdersDefined responsibilities: Each participant in the water reuse cycle is now assigned clear responsibilities, from production to final consumption, which promotes more orderly and efficient management

2. Update on the Legal Regime for Reuse for New Uses

Flexibility for urban and recreational uses:Specific parameters are added for these uses, increasing safety and control for activities in public environmentsExtended liability: Local authorities now have a clearer legal framework to implement these Uses, promoting reuse in sectors that previously had limitations

3. Transposition of European Regulation 2020/741

Homologation with European standards: Spanish regulations now have common quality and control standards, facilitating the export and trade of agricultural products that use reclaimed water. TheRD 1085/2024 not only incorporates and transposes the European Regulation 2020/741, aligning Spanish regulations with EU requirements, but also encourages adaptation to the European Green Pact. The aim is to promote sustainable water reuse that contributes to reducing pressure on natural water resources, supporting the circular economy and mitigating climate change. This translates into adrive towards more sustainable agricultural and urban practicesreducing the use of potable water in favor of high quality reclaimed water

4. Exclusions of Use

RD 1085/2024 not only unifies and centralizes all the regulations related to water reuse in a single standard, but also introduces exclusion criteria to avoid undesired effects. This includes the prohibition of promoting the use of reclaimed water in vulnerable areas where its application would hinder the maintenance of the ecological Flow rate. Its use is also excluded when reuse only means an increase in the supply of the resource to meet new demands, increasing the pressure for abstractions and vulnerability to climate change.

The Use of reclaimed water is prohibited in the food industry (except in very specific cases), in hospitals, for the cultivation of filter-feeding mollusks, in recreational bathing areas, and in any other case that the health authorities consider a risk to human health or the environmentThe goal is to ensure that reuse is aligned with environmental sustainabilityavoiding negative impacts on the availability of water resources, contribution to wetlands, etc

5. Creation of the Water Management Observatory

Within the framework of RD 1085/2024, the Water Management Observatory is created, an entity aimed at monitoring and analyzing the Use of reclaimed water throughout Spain. This body will be responsible for collecting data, evaluating practices and issuing reports to ensure transparency and continuous improvement in the management of reclaimed water resources. The Observatory will also provide a platform for the exchange of best practices and facilitate access to up-to-date information on water reuse

Conclusion

TheRD 1085/2024 represents a necessary evolution in water reuse regulations in Spain, not only updating them to current times, but also aligning them with European standards and emphasizing sustainability. For companies and professionals in the sector, knowing and adapting to these differences is crucial to meet current and future demands in water resource management.