The project
LIFE Matrix: Safe water reuse
Towards the reduction of water stress
Matrix is a European project co-funded by the LIFE Programme that aims to demonstrate the technical, environmental and health feasibility of a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using reclaimed water in the Costa del Sol.
Using reclaimed water to face water stress
The LIFE Matrix project aims to address the water scarcity problem and aquifer overexploitation by combining two different techniques: MAR and Safety Plans. The solution is based on the infiltration of reclaimed water previously subjected to an additional treatment, which will contribute to the recovery of the good quantitative status of European groundwater bodies.
NAME: Matrix
FUNDING: LIFE programme, the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action
BUDGET: 1,675,312.00€
EU CONTRIBUTION: 912,070.00€
DURATION: 36 months (October 2021-September 2024)
COORDINATOR: Cetaqua Andalucía
CONSORTIUM: Cetaqua Barcelona, ACOSOL and Universidad de Málaga
DEMONSTRATION SITE: EDAR La Víbora (Marbella, Spain)
LIFE Matrix in numbers
1675312 €
BUDGET
4
PARTNERS
36 months
DURATION
Timeline of the LIFE Matrix project
Permit procedures acquisition
Description: Administrative permit for drilling of piezometers.
Duration: October 2021 – March 2022
Design and construction of the MAR system
Description: Detailed hydrogeological characterization and design of the groundwater and soil monitoring network. Design of the MAR system and necessary water infrastructure to connect WRP to MAR system. Construction of the MAR system along with the necessary water infrastructure to connect WRP to recharge basin, and drilling of monitoring piezometers. Installation and testing in situ equipment.
Duration: October 2021 – December 2022
Reuse system definition and risk assessment
Description: Sanitation Safety Plans and microbiological and chemical risk assessments integrated in MAR risk management tool. Geochemical modelling of reactions between recharged water and water stored in the saturated zones. Time series modelling.
Duration: June 2022 – November 2023
MATRIX solution: integration and implementation
Description: Implementation of a human and environmental risk management module. Implement the socio-economic impact calculator module. Implementation of an aquifer recharge operational optimizer.
Duration: March 2023 – December 2023
Pilot site operation
Description: Operation and maintenance of the MAR system. Impact assessment of MAR scheme on soil and groundwater quantitative and chemical status.
Duration: January 2023 – December 2023
Environmental and economic assessment
Description: Environmental impact calculator module through LIFE cycle assessment. Ecosystem services. Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Matrix Project.
Duration: July 2023 – December 2023
Development of a business plan
Description: Market and competitor analysis for MAR DSS tools, definition of business model and development of a business model.
Duration: May 2023 – December 2023
Replicability and transferability of Matrix solution
Description: Implementation of a replicability and transferability plan, geographical replicability of the solution, elaboration of a practical guideline.
Duration: May 2023 – December 2023