An Italian winemaker, based in the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, has used reclaimed wastewater to grow his vines. The vineyard receives water from the La Morita Treatment Plant in Tijuana, Mexico. In the arid climate of the Baja region, water supplies are scarce. The winemaker, Camillo Magoni, sells his wine for $200 a bottle— a testament to the quality of the treated water.
According to the World Bank, only half of Latin America is connected to a sewer and only 30% of wastewater is treated. Some cities, such as Lima, Peru, even dump their effluent back into the sea presenting obstacles for wastewater reuse. However, Valparaiso, Chili plans to divert wastewater, otherwise pumped into the Pacific Ocean, back to vineyards and farms. Magoni hopes to convince other winegrowers the value of recycled water.
Regarding his wine, Magoni said, “It tastes like a Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s absolutely no difference. The water we’re using is very clean; it’s practically crystalline.”