Use cases

Water recycling is an effective response to the growing challenges of climate change and water resilience. It can tap into alternative water sources immediately using available, field-tested technologies and solutions – mostly without additional technological innovation.

The following overview presents typical use cases and replicable technical-organisational solutions for water recycling in the Baltic Sea Region. They are adapted to its specific conditions and have been piloted, and, in part, field-tested under real-world conditions, within the WaterMan project. Each use case shows a concrete way to reuse treated wastewater or recirculate retained rainwater – from irrigation in agriculture and urban green spaces to industrial applications. Together, they provide practical proof that water recycling works in humid regions – and give municipalities and water companies across the Baltic Sea Region concrete orientation to replicate, transfer and scale these solutions.

For every use case, you will find different levels of information:

• A clear, accessible overview for readers who are just getting started with water recycling; and
• In-depth resources for practitioners and experts, including detailed descriptions of the technical-organisational concept, a step-by-step documentation of its development, and real-world insights with additional background materials.
• Each use case lists a personal Helpdesk agent – a hands-on practitioner from the corresponding WaterMan pilot – who will be glad to provide tailored advice and follow-up support. We invite you to get in touch at any time, whether you’re just starting out or ready to move forward!

Hover over the infographic below to highlight the use cases, then click on an icon to explore the corresponding technical-organisational solution in detail, or simply choose a use case from the list further below.

Use cases & alternative water sources

• Stormwater recycling for fountain operation and greenery irrigation
• Diverse utilisation of stormwater with the aid of “multi-dams”
• Natural stormwater retention for use in municipal services
• Rain garden for the greening of a public car park
• Recycling municipal wastewater for irrigating green spaces
• Recycling municipal wastewater for agricultural use
• Recycling municipal wastewater for commercial use
• Recycling municipal wastewater for hydrogen production
• Recycling municipal wastewater for public buildings
• Recycling public swimming pool water for canal flushing