Globally the relentless growth of demand for water and periodic droughts lead to water stress and shortage. Pollution, the increase of (partially treated) waste water, run-off from expanding cities, releasing agricultural fertilizers, the contamination of aquifers; all contribute to a scarcity of sufficient clean interregional water.

Aqua-Terra Nova develops (together with stakeholders and local government) water concepts for good and sufficient process water for agricultural areas (i.e. irrigation for horticulture) in respect to minimizing water footprints, even on regional scale. Our participatory approaches result in water chain solutions for reuse of treated waste water and sufficient water quantities, prevent unwanted spreading of pesticides, bacteria or viruses and the unwanted emission of highly valued nutrients.

The use of a waste water as a source for freshwater is economically and socially highly valued, whilst providing farmers with reliable and nutrient-rich water. Its environmental benefits, reducing the release of waste water effluent downstream, and allowing the assimilation of its nutrients into the soil are evident. If appropriate, synergy is searched for between environmental functions, i.e. agri-food industry, cities and nature. In agro-clusters (production, product handling and distribution) nutrient and water recovery can be combined with sustainable energy concepts (Cradle-2-Cradle).

Aqua-Terra Nova offers the development or optimization for new concepts in water systems for regional or local scale. Our concepts rely on the following components:

• Watersheds balance
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Water system optimization
• Water chain concepts
• Process management