ReNutriWater Workshop Engages Participants in Discussions on Reclaimed Water Use

The workshop, led by Rosa Sartjärvi from Savonia and Sonja Lavonen from Centrum Balticum, provided participants with insights into the key targets and preliminary results of the EU-funded Interreg Baltic Sea Region ReNutriWater project.

To enhance engagement, the workshop utilized Mentimeter, an interactive tool that allowed participants to share their thoughts anonymously. The audience, consisting mainly of representatives from educational institutions, actively contributed to discussions on reclaimed water use.

Perceptions on Reclaimed Water Use

One of the key discussion points was public acceptance of reclaimed water, particularly in food production. When asked about their thoughts on eating vegetables irrigated with reclaimed water, most participants had a positive attitude, stating they would be open to it. Some noted that certain safety criteria would need to be met before they could fully support the idea.

Another key question addressed the obstacles to adopting reclaimed water in different communities. The most commonly mentioned concerns were health risks and lack of awareness, while financial barriers were also noted by some. Interestingly, no one saw lack of know-how or the need for further research as major obstacles, suggesting that the focus should be on increasing awareness and addressing public concerns.

Future Perspectives and Project Ideas

In addition to multiple-choice questions, participants shared open-ended responses on the potential benefits of reclaimed water use. They reflected on how it could enhance comprehensive security and suggested strategies for tackling water scarcity in the future. These discussions also provided valuable inspiration for new project ideas related to sustainable water management.

The workshop demonstrated a growing interest among stakeholders in reclaimed water use and the need for further engagement to address public concerns. The positive reception and active participation highlight the importance of international collaboration in promoting sustainable water solutions.

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