Wastewater discharge standards are different from country to country, and from application to application.

European Standards

European Directive No. 91-271 of 21/05/1991 relates to the treatment of urban waste water and the protection of aquatic environments.

The Water Framework Directive No. 2000-60 of 23/10/2000 (WFD) consolidated in 2006 for Community action in the field of water. This is to synchronize the existing guidelines. It sets goals for :

  • the preservation and restoration of surface water status (freshwater and coastal waters)
  • groundwater

The main goal is to achieve by 2015 the good status of the various environments throughout Europe.

Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)

It is a directive of the European Parliament and the Council adopted on October 23, 2000. It establishes a framework for a comprehensive Community policy in the field of water.

In addition, it aims to prevent and reduce water pollution.

The objective for 2015 is the “good status” of water bodies to guarantee sustainable management of this vital resource. The “good status” of water bodies is defined in the WFD as the following status:

  • ecological and chemical for surface water bodies (e.g. a river),
  • chemical and quantitative for groundwater bodies (e.g. groundwater).

Discharge Standard Management Plan

Within a maximal period of nine years following the date of entry into force of the Directive, each river basin district (some being international) had to produce a “Management Plan” based on the state of the art. In other words, this management plan must be able to:

  • prevent deterioration
  • Improving and restoring the status of surface water bodies
  • to reach a good chemical and ecological status of these
  • reduce pollution from discharges and emissions of hazardous substances;
  • protect, enhance and restore groundwater
  • prevent their pollution, their deterioration
  • ensure a balance between their catchments and their renewal;
  • preserve (restore where appropriate) protected areas.

A period of fifteen years (from the entry into force) is provided for in order to achieve the objectives of good status or good potential of water bodies. This will be done with possible derogations under conditions specified by the directive.

In addition, temporary accidental water pollution will not be considered an infringement of the Directive if it was unforeseeable, caused by an accident, a natural cause or a case of force majeure.

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Framework Directive

This directive allows :

  • Consolidate:
    • “coordinated” management by groups of ponds
    • consideration of economic data and financial incentives
    • information, consultation and public participation
  • Compléter:
    • previous sectoral policies (drinking water, sanitation, fisheries, etc.) in favour of a common, integrated and sustainable water policy
    • the content and pace of planning and programming
  • Innove :
    • by setting an obligation of result and “environmental objectives” for each “body of water”: to achieve “good ecological status” by 2015
    • it has the force of a European law, with a concern for realism

It was then transposed by each state into “daughter” directives. For example, in France, Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 on the treatment of urban waste water (91/271/EEC), and prescribes the following discharge standards:

The use of treated effluent for irrigation

Recycling (REUSE) is an effective solution for water scarcity in agriculture. Indeed, the treatment and reuse of wastewater for agricultural irrigation makes it possible to:

  • to meet the needs of this area
  • promote savings
  • assisting some communities.

The appearance of the ISO 16075 standard has made it possible to ensure a smooth flow of irrigation projects. In addition, it contains guidelines for the establishment and implementation of projects for the use of treated wastewater in irrigation. It also contains guidelines for materials used, construction and performance. Finally, this standard incorporates everything you need to know about many other areas such as :

  • types of irrigated crops
  • Water quality Risks
  • the elements necessary for the execution of an irrigation project (reservoirs, pipe networks, etc.).

This standard contains several parts:

  • The basics of an irrigation reuse project: This part includes guidelines related to all the elements of a project for the use of treated wastewater in the field of irrigation.
  • Project Development: It contains guidelines for design criteria and quality specifications.
  • Elements of an irrigation reuse project: This part contains the elements necessary for the project for the use of treated wastewater in irrigation.

FAQ

Are the discharge standards always the same from one country to another?

No, standards vary greatly by country and sometimes even by region. Some countries apply national limit values, while others adapt the thresholds according to the characteristics of the receiving environment, such as river flow or local ecological sensitivity. For example, Quebec uses dilution and environmental impact criteria to set its thresholds, while Madagascar applies a decree with fixed values for discharges into fresh or marine water.

Yes, each industrial sector produces different types of pollution, which justifies appropriate discharge thresholds. For example, the agri-food industry generates water that is highly loaded with organic matter, while chemicals or textiles can release heavy metals or toxic substances. This is why some regulations impose standards targeted by activity, often specified in prefectural decrees for classified facilities (ICPE).

A discharge standard imposes a maximum value that must not be exceeded at the end of treatment (e.g., BOD5 ≤ 30 mg/L), regardless of the initial load. A performance target, on the other hand, measures the effectiveness of the treatment in percentage reduction (e.g., removing 70% of incoming BOD5). These two indicators are often combined to guarantee both the performance of the process and the protection of the natural environment.

Yes, it is even a practice encouraged in some regions. However, precautions are necessary, especially with regard to salinity, measured by electrical conductivity. Too high a value can degrade soils, harm crops, or damage irrigation equipment. In general, an EC of less than 0.75 dS/m is considered acceptable for controlled irrigation. Pathogens, nitrates and chemical residues should also be monitored.

A company that exceeds the regulatory limits may face administrative penalties, such as fines, formal notices, or suspension of its discharge authorization. ICPEs, in particular, are required to transmit their analysis results and to ensure regular monitoring. In the event of proven pollution, compliance work may be imposed, or even legal proceedings initiated if the environment has been degraded.

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