Using treated wastewater for irrigation in Slovenia : opportunities, risks and systemic frameworks

english

2025

volume 121, issue 4

agriculture   climate change   municipal wastewater   reuse

Univerza v Ljubljani, Biotehniška fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Water is a key natural resource essential for life and societal development, making its sustainable management increasingly important. One promising approach to preserving water resources is the use of treated wastewater (TWW) as an alternative source for agricultural irrigation. TWW refers to water that has undergone at least secondary treatment and basic disinfection, making it suitable for reuse after discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. Despite the available quantities of TWW and an established legislative framework, its practical application in Slovenia remains limited. This contribution examines the opportunities and challenges associated with introducing TWW for irrigation and highlights the need for a systematic approach to ensure its safe and efficient use. The study analyses the legislative framework at both the European and national levels and provides an overview of current practices as well as the technical and institutional challenges influencing the implementation of TWW reuse. An assessment of the potential for TWW use in Slovenia was conducted, taking into account the available volumes, treatment levels, and the spatial distribution of wastewater treatment plants in relation to agricultural land.

19.01.2026