Veolia inaugurate France's largest treated wastewater reuse installation for agricultural irrigation
Facing drought, this pioneering territory transforms its wastewater into a strategic resource for agriculture.
Up to 1.3 million cubic meters of treated wastewater annually, equivalent to a quarter of the community's annual potable water withdrawals, one of France's most visited coastal areas during the summer season.
More than 650 hectares of agricultural land irrigated with optimally treated water, contributing to sustainable resource preservation while meeting local needs.
In alignment with Veolia's strategic program GreenUp, a concrete demonstration of how water technologies can deliver innovative solutions tailored to territorial challenges.
At Argelès-sur-Mer, treated wastewater has become a resource for the future. In a department particularly affected by drought, the Community of Communes Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris (CC ACVI) inaugurated on June 20 France's largest treated wastewater reuse installation for agricultural irrigation, designed and implemented through Veolia's unique expertise as the global leader in water technologies.
"Resource scarcity represents a major concern for municipal and industrial stakeholders. These are immediate challenges that raise questions of quantity, quality and territorial resilience. Thanks to this pioneering project at Argelès-sur-Mer, every cubic meter of water is now used twice. Aligned with the preservation and resource regeneration objectives outlined in our Green Up strategic program, this state-of-the-art facility opens new perspectives for communities by demonstrating that concrete solutions can be deployed in support of regional development and environmental security," declares Sandra Andreu, CEO of Water treatment and valorization at Veolia.
Awarded to Veolia following a demanding and ambitious competitive bidding process, the project was designed, built and commissioned in accordance with the timeline established by the community. Since its launch in April 2026, treated wastewater from the territory — comprising 15 municipalities with a permanent population of 56,000 residents and up to 200,000 during summer months — is distributed to approximately sixty local farmers for irrigation needs, particularly for vineyards and apricot orchards.
Through the unique ultrafiltration membrane facility developed by Veolia, water from the reuse installation achieves Category A status, the most stringent level under French regulations, and supplies a drip irrigation network covering just over 650 hectares of agricultural land. Up to 1.3 million cubic meters of wastewater are recycled annually, equivalent to a quarter of the community's annual potable water withdrawals. An unprecedented performance at the national level.
To achieve this, water is pumped from the wastewater treatment plant outlet and redirected to the wastewater reuse unit. It undergoes pre-filtration to protect downstream equipment, particularly against algae that may develop during summer months, then ultrafiltration to ensure retention of pollutants targeted by regulations. 13,300 square meters of membranes, equivalent to two rugby fields, are deployed within a 150-square-meter facility. The water is then disinfected and conveyed to a storage tank before distribution
"We are extremely proud to inaugurate today France's first agricultural wastewater reuse project of this scale. By sustainably securing water access for a sector essential to our region and preserving over one million cubic meters of water annually to relieve already fragile natural environments, this project paves the way for more responsible, resilient and innovative water resource management," declares Grégory MARTY, President of the Community of Communes Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris.
This pioneering achievement in France aligns with the Water Plan implemented by the Government since March 2023, aimed at accelerating the development of alternative water resources to strengthen territorial resilience against climate change. It targets 10% of treated water reuse in France by 2030 through the development of 1,000 recycling and reuse projects across the territory by 2027. At a time when less than 1% of water is recycled and reused in France compared to nearly 15% in neighboring Spain, this major project opens promising perspectives for French communities facing the growing challenge of water scarcity.
Through its unique portfolio of innovative solutions, Veolia positions treated wastewater reuse as a concrete and deployable solution, alongside solutions to combat network leakage, solutions promoting water conservation and, as a last resort, desalination solutions.
Highlights from Veolia's 2024 Ecological Transformation Barometer for Pyrénées-Orientales
86% of residents are concerned about agriculture's vulnerability to droughts and extreme weather events.
87% fear the depletion and exhaustion of essential resources.
77% are convinced that taking action will cost less than inaction.
66% support coordinated action by all territorial stakeholders: national government, citizens, local authorities and regional businesses.
Treated wastewater reuse in agriculture receives very strong support (87%).