Navigating the policy landscape for managed aquifer recharge and reclaimed water use in Europe

The impacts of climate change on groundwater worldwide have led to the discourse on sustainable groundwater management gaining currency over the last decades. One sustainable groundwater management strategy is managed aquifer recharge (MAR), particularly in situations of water scarcity. This paper analyzes the EU policy framework governing the implementation of MAR, groundwater management, and the reuse of reclaimed water. The findings show that MAR is not explicitly recognized in the EU water policy framework. We discuss the legal and administrative barriers that this policy landscape presents for MAR implementation. Our findings translate into five key actions at EU level: (1) explicit recognition of MAR practices within relevant directives; (2) harmonization across lists of pollutants regarding the purpose of water reuse, including for MAR; (3) a coherent and inter-operational risk monitoring strategy (and infrastructure) across Member States; (4) clear licensing and operational procedures (harmonized) across Member States; and (5) clarity across different directives in the promotion of reclaimed water as source water for MAR.