The BOOST-in project successfully hosted its first French “Region of Opportunity” workshop in Montpellier, bringing together 25 participants from 11 municipalities to address the critical issue of water reuse acceptability. The event, held on April 3, 2025, featured expert insights, including a presentation from a University of Montpellier treatment specialist, and showcased compelling case studies from Spain, Belgium, and France.

The workshop served as a vital platform to explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding the implementation of water reuse solutions in the region. A key focus was understanding and improving public and stakeholder acceptability of such projects.

Key Insights and Challenges Identified:

  • Development Preferences: A notable resistance from communities towards projects perceived as increasing water supply by “taking water from elsewhere” was observed. Instead, a strong preference emerged for initiatives focused on reducing water demand and enhancing the efficiency of existing water uses.

  • Awareness and Communication Gaps: Uncertainty and a lack of trust, largely stemming from insufficient awareness and communication, were identified as significant hindrances to public acceptance of water reuse.

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Existing restrictive policies are slowing down the adoption and scaling of innovative water reuse solutions.

  • Cost and Financing: The high implementation costs associated with water reuse projects necessitate robust financial support mechanisms to ensure their feasibility and sustainability.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: A clear need for stronger, more proactive dialogue between local authorities, end-users, and the public was highlighted. Participants expressed uncertainty about the optimal timing and methods for engaging stakeholders, particularly concerning attitudes and anxieties, such as those related to drinking purified recycled water.

Next Steps and Recommendations:

The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on actionable next steps:

  • Knowledge Sharing: Participants expressed a large appetite for detailed technical information and learnings from existing successful water reuse case studies.

  • Awareness Campaigns: The need to launch targeted communication and outreach campaigns to educate the public and build trust was emphasized.

  • Collaborative Regulation: Promoting constructive dialogue among policymakers, local authorities, industry, and citizens is crucial for adapting regulations to better support water reuse initiatives.

This first French workshop has been incredibly insightful, revealing both the strong local interest in sustainable water management and the clear hurdles we need to overcome. The BOOST-in project is committed to fostering this dialogue and supporting regions in developing acceptable and effective water reuse strategies.