Wastewater Reclamation and Reuse Trends in Algeria: Opportunities and Challenges

Particular attention has been paid to wastewater reuse in Algeria in recent years because of limited conventional water resources. This study examines the capacity of wastewater treatment and reuse in Algeria, as well as the associated opportunities and challenges. Data were collected based on a survey of the concerned organizations, including the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), the National Office of Sanitation (ONA), Wastewater Treatment plants (WWTP), and Pond Stations (PS). The analysis of the collected data showed that wastewater reuse still has great potential, explained by the large quantities of wastewater produced. In addition, the overall public policy in Algeria encourages wastewater reuse. Nevertheless, wastewater quantification and its variability in space and time face many constraints, including: (i) varying connection rates to wastewater collection systems, (ii) limited availability of sewage infrastructure, and (iii) the lack of public awareness and planning strategies. To establish an integrated water resource management framework and to develop guidelines for the planning of the reuse of treated wastewater by 2030, an approach based on prioritization criteria for the programming of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) is considered. The purpose is to prepare a plan for the implementation of WWTPs and wastewater reuse through inter-seasonal storage to define the potential of this non-conventional resource in order to meet the ever-increasing water demands.