Water reuse in the food industry: publication of the amending decree and order on reused water

Long-awaited by the food industry, the decree and order on water reuse have finally been published. These texts represent a major step forward for sustainable water management in the agri-food sector, opening up new prospects for water reuse.

At the beginning of the year, decree no. 2024-33 of January 24, 2024 on reused water in the food industry and various provisions relating to the safety of water intended for human consumption defined the conditions required for the production and use of reused water for the preparation and preservation of all foodstuffs. This decree has just been amended by the Decree no. 2024-769 of July 8, 2024 which extended its uses by authorizing certain recycled waters (from processes and raw materials) as ingredients in foodstuffs, and by modifying the conditions of use of these waters in food establishments.

The new decree also allows recycled water from raw materials and recycled process water to circulate in the same network as the distribution network for water intended for human consumption, or to circulate in a network connected to the latter.

Complementing these decrees, theOrder of July 8, 2024 on reused water for the preparation, processing and preservation in food businesses of all foodstuffs and goods intended for human consumption, defines the various authorized uses of recycled water from raw materials, recycled process water and recycled treated wastewater.

It defines the declaration and authorization regimes applicable to the production and use of these waters. It specifies the conditions for controlling the collection, treatment, storage, distribution and use of this water.

The decree also lays down quality requirements for the various types of water (raw, treated recycled waste and recycled water from raw materials and recycled process water).

These texts provide the food industry with a clear and secure legal framework for setting up wastewater reuse systems. They represent an important lever for :

• Reduce freshwater withdrawals


• Limiting wastewater discharge


• Controlling water management costs

A technical instruction should be published soon.

The CTCPA puts its expertise at your disposal to help you implement wastewater reduction and reuse solutions tailored to your needs:

• Training in water-saving techniques and issues


• Personalized advice for your water reduction and reuse project.


• Assistance in complying with regulatory requirements

Contact : contact@ctcpa.org

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The CTCPA supports company- and industry-led initiatives to take greater account of the environment in their development and structuring. These initiatives aim to reconsider certain practices and invent new models to reduce the environmental impact of agri-food production. Find out more about our support services: Environmental impact: change your production models (ctcpa.org)