The EMWater Project - Promoting Efficient Wastewater Management and Reuse in Mediterranean Countries

Given the fact of water shortage in the Mediterranean countries, the EMWater project (efficient management of wastewater, its treatment and reuse in the Mediterranean countries) aims to increase the security and safety of water supply through creation of public awareness and implementation of innovative and suitable solutions in wastewater treatment and reuse. The main target countries of this 4-year project are Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Turkey. The EMWater project contributes to these goals through training programmes (local, regional and web-based) for technicians, engineers and employees of authorities and non-government organizations; public awareness campaigns; design and construction of pilot plants applying low-cost techniques, as well as through the development of policy guidelines for wastewater treatment and reuse. Such activities will contribute to general objectives of promoting transfer of appropriate wastewater treatment technologies, such as low-cost technologies for rural areas; strengthening local capacities and regional co-operation through the creation of co-operative professional networks; enhancing public awareness of the insufficient and inproper wastewater treatment to the need for hygienically safe disposal, and the potentials of water reuse. The paper is aimed to present the state of implementation of the EMWater project after 3 years, especially focusing on the main steps in pilot plants design and construction activity and in development of guidelines for decision-makers in wastewater management and planning. It further addresses the progress in implementation of capacity building programs.