THALIS, within the framework of the Aristotelis Climate Forum at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, actively participated in the public dialogue on the future of sustainable water resource management.

Mr. Manolis Chatzakis, Head of THALIS’ Department in Crete, presented at the panel “Wastewater Treatment Plants: Modern Challenges and Prospects” the company’s concrete contribution through projects that promote circular management and water reuse.

The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by emerging pollutants – pharmaceutical substances, PFAS, and microplastics – as well as the technological solutions already implemented by THALIS, supporting Greece’s timely adaptation to new European requirements.

At its Heraklion Unit, THALIS processes 6,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, with the effluent already being reused for irrigation of agricultural areas. In parallel, it has upgraded and continues to upgrade more than 15 Wastewater Treatment Plants in Crete with tertiary treatment (MBR/UF), which during the summer months will produce over 80,000 cubic meters daily, strengthening local agriculture through water reuse.

At the core of the discussion was the largest urban wastewater reuse project in Greece, implemented by THALIS for DEYAH Heraklion, with funding from the Recovery Fund. By 2026, the company will have completed the construction of quaternary treatment of the secondary effluents of the Heraklion WWTP, with a total capacity of 30,000 cubic meters per day.

Heraklion will thus become the first major Municipality in the country to apply combined treatment methods leading to Quaternary Wastewater Treatment. The combination of biological treatment, ultrafiltration (UF), and activated carbon adsorption achieves high-quality processing, while the parallel construction of 30 km of irrigation networks and 5 storage reservoirs will cover irrigation needs for more than 30,000 acres of farmland and green areas.

This flagship project marks the achievement of circularity at levels approaching 100%. In total, more than 10 million cubic meters of urban wastewater annually will be converted into clean water for irrigation.

THALIS is transforming wastewater into a valuable resource, promoting Water Recycling and reaffirming its commitment to the green transition and to making a substantial contribution to a more resilient and sustainable society.