Costa Brava

Image from Unsplash by Camilo Arango M

About the RECREATE Project

RECREATE (Reliability and Effectiveness of Integrated Alternative Water Resources Management for Regional Climate Change Adaptation) is a Horizon Europe project that aims to strengthen water resilience in regions facing increasing water stress due to climate change.

 

Across Europe, water scarcity is becoming more frequent and severe, affecting people, ecosystems and economies. RECREATE supports the integration of Alternative Water Resources (AWR), such as treated wastewater, desalinated water, rainwater and aquifer recharge, into regional and local water management strategies. These alternatives can complement conventional sources, helping to secure safe, reliable and sustainable water supplies.

 

Through collaboration with local communities, decision-makers and technical experts, RECREATE will identify and demonstrate innovative, cost-effective and socially accepted solutions for AWR use. The project will also develop adaptable strategies that take into account diverse environmental, regulatory and cultural contexts.

 

With four real-world case studies across Europe, RECREATE is paving the way for more resilient water systems, helping communities adapt to climate change while protecting natural resources for future generations.

 

RECREATE is being implemented across four regional case studies in Europe, each representing different biogeographical and water management contexts: Mediterranean, Continental and Atlantic. These case studies serve as real-world laboratories to test and demonstrate alternative water resource strategies.

 

  • Costa Brava, Spain – Tackling urban and industrial water reuse in a Mediterranean region affected by recurring droughts.

  • Syros, Greece – Addressing extreme seasonal water scarcity on an island through a mix of rainwater harvesting, desalination and wastewater reuse.

  • North-Holland, The Netherlands – Focusing on resilient water supply systems in a low-lying coastal region with complex groundwater dynamics.

  • Kalundborg, Denmark – Demonstrating industrial symbiosis and water reuse in a region known for circular economy practices.

 

Each case study works closely with local stakeholders to develop tailored, transferable approaches for integrating AWR into climate-resilient water management plans.

Alternative Water Resources (AWR) can be a vital part of building climate-resilient water systems. However, several challenges currently limit their broader use:

  • Lack of awareness and acceptance: Many decision-makers and communities are not yet familiar with the full range of AWR solutions or their benefits, especially for uses like potable water.

  • Fragmented data and limited tools: Gaps in reliable, accessible data and a lack of integrated tools make it difficult to plan for AWR as part of long-term strategies.

  • Cost efficiency and infrastructure investment: AWR solutions are often perceived as less cost-effective compared to conventional sources, particularly where existing infrastructure is not designed for their integration.

  • Seasonal shifts in supply and demand: The variability of water availability, especially in tourist regions or areas with dry summers, adds complexity to the planning and use of AWR.

  • Perception and trust: Concerns around the safety, quality and "acceptability" of AWR remain a barrier to uptake.

  • Regulatory and governance barriers: Complex, inconsistent or outdated legal frameworks make it difficult to implement AWR at scale.

 

RECREATE works across these technical, social and institutional challenges to help unlock the full potential of AWR in addressing water scarcity and supporting sustainable water management across Europe.

RECREATE aims to improve the resilience of water supplies and protect natural water resources by facilitating the assessment and inclusion of Alternative Water Resources in water management planning for water-scarce regions. The project also seeks to increase awareness, acceptance and trust in the essential role AWR can play in climate change adaptation.

 

To achieve this, RECREATE focuses on five key objectives:

  • Promote knowledge and understanding of AWR: Compile and consolidate data on the performance, cost-efficiency, environmental, health and regulatory aspects of AWR solutions.

  • Demonstrate real-world solutions: Test and validate innovative AWR technologies and strategies in four regional case studies across Europe.

  • Support integrated and adaptive planning: Co-develop water management pathways that blend conventional and alternative resources while considering local contexts, climate projections, and societal needs.

  • Foster public trust and stakeholder engagement: Engage communities and key actors to build confidence in the safety and benefits of AWR, particularly for potable use.

  • Enable long-term impact and replication: Ensure that successful approaches and lessons from RECREATE can be transferred to other regions, supporting broader uptake of AWR across Europe.