Torre Guaceto: Managing Saline Water Irrigation to Protect Wetland

Reducing Groudwater Abstractions through safe reclaimed water

Torre Guaceto natural reserve (on the Southern Adriatic coast) is a perfect example of the so-called water-environment-food nexus (WEF) where different needs and problems coexist regarding the management of scarce water resources, the sustainability of agriculture productions, and the environmental protection. The water that feeds the wetland is a combination of groundwater (saline coastal springs) and occasional surface flows during the wet season. Both the agro-ecosystem and the downstream wetland are recognized by local stakeholders as a hot-spot for soil salinization caused by groundwater overexploitation and climate change.

The reuse of treated wastewater from an advanced facility operated by the local water utility (AQP) will provide an alternative water resource for irrigation, thus limiting the exploitation of groundwater and ensuring the availability of good quality water for other activities related to the protected area. The natural reserve authority is also involved as project partner being the key local stakeholders in charge for the implementation of treated wastewater reuse.

Integrated monitoring techniques are being tested to combine Earth Observation (by PLANETEK), proximal electro-magnetic soil sensing (EMI), and in-situ soil, water, and weather sensors to assess the effects of irrigation water salinity on soil and crops and optimize the reuse of treated wastewater (by SYSMAN).

Innovative sensors developed by UNIVERSWATER will be tested concerning soil and water nutrients and pollutants aiming at timely detection and safe management of treated wastewater facilities.

Continuous soil and water quality measurements are being combined with EO information and soil salinity maps to develop a dedicated DSS enabling the conjunctive use of saline groundwater resources and reclaimed water.