Smart Reuse: Reclaimed Water on the Frontline Against Wildfires

In a world increasingly affected by climate change, efficient water management has become crucial to addressing the challenges this phenomenon presents. One of the most devastating and recurrent problems in many regions is wildfires, which not only destroy vast areas of forests and wildlife but also pose a direct threat to human life and infrastructure. In this context, smart water reuse has emerged as a key strategy in the fight against these fires.

The use of reclaimed water for this purpose is one of the most promising and beneficial applications of this resource. In fire-prone areas, especially during dry seasons, access to large quantities of water is essential to effectively control and extinguish fires.

This technique involves using water that has undergone advanced treatment in wastewater treatment plants to remove contaminants and make it suitable for various non-potable uses, such as agricultural irrigation, urban green space irrigation, and, more recently, firefighting.

Global Emergency: Current Wildfires Are Testing Water Resources

This summer in the northern hemisphere has been particularly challenging in the fight against wildfires due to several interrelated factors: climate change, extreme heatwaves, and prolonged drought. Countries such as Canada, the United States, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Italy have been severely affected, experiencing some of the most destructive wildfires in decades.

In this regard, some regions in Spain, particularly in Mediterranean areas where wildfires are common, have already begun to implement the use of reclaimed water on the front lines of firefighting. In places like Valencia and Catalonia, local authorities have promoted systems to store treated water in strategic reservoirs, which are then transported by helicopters or tanker trucks to combat forest fires. Similarly, countries like Australia and the United States, with a history of devastating wildfires, have adopted similar approaches, viewing water reuse as an integral part of their conservation and emergency plans.

Some of the advantages of using reclaimed water in this context are:

• Continuous availability. Fire-affected areas often face water restrictions or prolonged droughts. The use of reclaimed water provides an additional source of water during critical times, avoiding the overexploitation of natural resources such as rivers or reservoirs.
• Reduction in demand for potable water. Reclaimed water is suitable for non-potable applications like firefighting, allowing potable water to be reserved for human consumption and other essential needs.
• Preventive strategy. In high-risk fire zones, reclaimed water can also be used proactively to moisten the ground and reduce the flammability of ecosystems. This preventive measure decreases the likelihood of rapid fire spread in dry areas.

However, while the use of reclaimed water offers multiple benefits, there are technical and logistical challenges, such as the creation of appropriate infrastructure for the storage and transportation of this resource, as well as the need to ensure that reclaimed water meets quality standards to guarantee it poses no risks to health or the environment during its use in emergency situations.

Another important consideration is public perception. Despite reclaimed water being safe for non-potable uses, it is essential to educate the community about its advantages and safety to overcome potential resistance or misinformation.

Through its expertise in water supply, treatment, and management, Almar Water Solutions contributes with its technology to the global context we live in, where climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires, and where innovation in water management is more important than ever. Leveraging reclaimed water not only strengthens our ability to face emergencies but also contributes to the sustainability and resilience of our communities in the face of future environmental demands.