Study Visit to Spain: Water Reuse in Practice

1–4 December 2026 | Valencia & Madrid

Through years of experience with drought and water scarcity, Spain has developed extensive knowledge of water reuse in agriculture, industry and urban areas. What can the Netherlands learn from these experiences? And how can Dutch and Spanish organisations work together on solutions for a future-proof water supply?

From 1 to 4 December 2026, Water Alliance, the Royal Netherlands Water Network (KNW), Vitens and Waterschap Zuiderzeeland, with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Madrid, are organising a study visit to Valencia and Madrid.

During this four-day study visit, we will combine visits to water utilities and practical sites with in-depth discussions, thematic roundtables and meetings with Spanish organisations. We will explore not only innovative water technologies, but also policy, regulation, financing and collaboration.

Our aim? To exchange knowledge and experiences, identify valuable lessons for the Netherlands and explore new opportunities for Dutch-Spanish collaboration.

Who is it for?

The study visit is intended for Dutch water authorities, drinking and industrial water companies, water technology companies, knowledge institutions and other organisations involved in water reuse and sustainable water management.

We aim to bring together a diverse Dutch delegation, combining policy perspectives, practical experience and innovative solutions.

Programme

Tuesday 1 December | Arrival in Valencia

Participants travel to Valencia, where the study visit begins.

Wednesday 2 December | Valencia – Water Availability and Irrigation

09:00–12:00 | Visit to Global Omnium

We will start with a visit to the headquarters of Global Omnium, a major player in the Spanish water sector. Here, we will discuss water availability, security of supply and approaches to managing structural water scarcity.

We will also explore the principle of fit-for-purpose water: what level of water quality is required for different applications, and how is this applied in practice?

12:00–14:00 | Networking lunch

15:00–17:00 | Site Visit: Irrigation and Water Reuse

During a visit to the Real del Júcar irrigation community and/or the Pinedo wastewater treatment plant, we will explore how treated wastewater is used in agriculture.

Topics include water distribution, acceptance among farmers and risk management.

The exact arrangements for this visit are still subject to confirmation.

Evening | Train to Madrid

Thursday 3 December | Madrid – Water Reuse in Cities and Industry

09:00–10:00 | Water Reuse Exchange: Sharing Experiences, Exploring Solutions

We will start the day with an interactive session in which Dutch participants share their experiences, challenges and ambitions regarding water reuse.

What challenges are organisations facing? Which solutions are already being implemented, and where do further opportunities lie? This exchange will provide an opportunity to learn from one another, identify common interests and explore potential partnerships.

12:00–14:30 | Parallel Site Visits

Participants can indicate their preference for one of three site visits:

• Wastewater Treatment and Reuse – Arroyo Culebro (Canal de Isabel II): Discover how advanced wastewater treatment is used to enable water reuse, including for urban irrigation.
• Urban Water Storage and Biofiltration – Valdebebas: Learn about the BlueBloqs system developed by FieldFactors in collaboration with Microsoft, focusing on sustainable urban water storage, biofiltration and nature-based solutions.
• Industrial Water Use – Heineken Spain: Gain insights into water efficiency, water reuse and water-positive ambitions in the beverage industry.

Site visits are subject to availability. The visit to Heineken has yet to be confirmed. Participants can indicate their preferred site visit during registration.

15:00–17:00 | Water Reuse in the Agro-Industry

An event will take place at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador in Madrid, organised in collaboration with Arcadis.

Dutch and Spanish representatives from government, the water sector and industry will discuss opportunities and challenges related to water reuse in the food and beverage industry.

Key topics include business cases for water reuse, regulatory challenges and non-technical barriers to the implementation of water reuse solutions.

17:00–18:00 | Networking Reception

We will conclude the day with a networking reception at the Ambassador’s residence. An opportunity to connect with Dutch and Spanish organisations and explore possibilities for future collaboration.

Friday 4 December | Madrid – From Knowledge Exchange to Collaboration

The final day will focus on translating the insights gained during the study visit into concrete next steps.

09:00–10:00 | Welcome and Opening – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Following registration and welcome coffee, the programme will officially open with contributions from the university, the Dutch Embassy and Spanish partners.

10:00–12:00 | Thematic Roundtables

Dutch and Spanish participants will work together in mixed groups to discuss five key themes:

• Legislation, regulation and financing
• Water reuse in agriculture and food production
• Water and nature, including ecological flows and nature-based solutions
• Urban and industrial water use
• Non-technical barriers, including collaboration, responsibilities and public acceptance

12:30–13:30 | Joint Conclusions and Next Steps

Each roundtable will share its key insights. Together, we will discuss how the lessons learned and opportunities identified can contribute to a joint agenda for further Dutch-Spanish collaboration.

14:00–16:00 | Lunch and Networking

Evening | Return Travel to the Netherlands

The programme is provisional and may be subject to change. The final programme and additional practical information will be shared with confirmed participants.

Learning from Spain, Advancing Water Reuse in the Netherlands

This study visit builds on previous knowledge exchanges between the Netherlands and Spain, including a roundtable meeting in Madrid and the Spain–Netherlands Water Reuse Initiative webinar held on 16 September 2026.

Our ambition goes beyond gaining inspiration. We aim to use Spain’s experiences to explore how water reuse can be further developed in the Netherlands and how technology, policy, regulation and collaboration can contribute to this.

The study visit is also part of Water Alliance’s broader WTEX10 approach, which focuses on strengthening international relationships and developing long-term collaboration.

Interested in joining?

Are you interested in joining the study visit to Spain from 1 to 4 December 2026? Please contact Juliette for more information about the possibilities.

Cancellation policy: Cancellations can be made free of charge up to one week before the study visit (24 November 2026). For cancellations after this date, a cancellation fee of €250 will apply.