The goals of the NextGen project are closely connected with two European Directives that are currently up for revision:
- The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) has set an international reference case in the global effort in wastewater management, exemplified in the UN Sustainable Development Goal indicator 6.3.1. Today, 95% of the EU’s urban wastewater is collected and over 85% is treated according to the Directive’ requirements.
- The Sewage Sludge Directive (SSD) has performed well in its objective to encourage the safe use of sludge while complying with high environmental standards, and providing beneficial side effects such as improving effluent and water quality, soil organic matter and water retention.
However, both directives are facing new challenges and concerns that they are no longer fit for purpose, particularly in regards to the circular economy and the exploitation of the Value in Water.
The results of the NextGen project demonstrate that the European citizens are ready for “circular solutions utilised in the water and wastewater sector – the use of recycled water for drinking purposes, and the use of recovered nutrients to grow food”.