Water scarcity is a real problem in the EU – and it's only going to get worse. Finding new ways to use water more efficiently is becoming increasingly important – and zoos are no exception. They require large volumes of high-quality water every day to care for animals and maintain habitats, and generate plenty of wastewater in the process. 

The LIFE4ZOO project is helping zoos reduce freshwater consumption, lower emissions and become more resilient to water scarcity. 

It's installed a full-scale water recirculation system at Zoo Liberec in Czechia and is developing a pilot system at Zoo Barcelona in Spain. Their approach combines nature-based solutions – constructed wetlands, floating vegetation islands – with advanced technologies like ultrafiltration and disinfection to treat used water and safely return it to zoo operations. 

The project aims to reduce water consumption by up to 50% at Zoo Liberec. At Zoo Barcelona, the pilot is expected to pave the way for wider deployment across the site, where around 60% of total water use could eventually be met through water reuse alone.

Although developed for zoos, the technology has much wider potential. The project is creating a model that could be adapted for other visitor attractions and water-intensive facilities, helping organisations across Europe strengthen their resilience to water scarcity while supporting the transition to a more circular economy.