The new technique, called “low pressure reverse osmosis”, consists of filtering through membranes to provide water “chlorine and limestone free”. This project, budgeted at 870 million euros, was to be the subject of an experiment in Arvigny (Seine-et-Marne) but it has aroused controversy and opposition from elected officials and associations who blame this technical to take between 15% and 30% more water to produce the same volume, and to reject the waste from the filtration in the Seine. It must also increase the electricity consumption of factories and the price of water (from 36 to 48 euros per year per household).
After a favorable opinion of the public inquiry, the project was suspended following the refusal of the prefecture to grant the environmental authorization. At the beginning of 2022, Sedif, in charge of drinking water for 133 municipalities in Ile-de-France, therefore gave up this experiment but seized the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) to organize a consultation on this project, in order to launch it in its three main factories in Choisy-le-Roi, Méry-sur-Oise and Neuilly-sur-Marne.
This debate does not just concern Ile-de-France residents, underlines Ilaria Casillo, interim president of the CNDP, the independent authority charged by law with organizing debates on projects with a high environmental impact. “Any public debate is open to everyone”, she insists. Because the project could then be replicated elsewhere.
Broaden the debate to the governance of drinking water?
“How do we govern water? How is it controlled? Why do we buy bottled water? At this time when the subject of water is arousing serious concerns and disputes, it is time to launch a debate that we hope will be a pilot”. questions the interim president, inviting a broader debate on drinking water.
Among the topics planned, the impact of global warming on the resource, and the effects on the bill. The hot topic of mega ponds is not on the list, but “I think he’ll come. Spontaneously the public will want to widen the debate. There are no taboos. If these questions come, we will deal with them”hopes Ilaria Casillo.
Concert from April 20 to July 20
In Ile-de-France, the consultation will be held from April 20 to July 20 and will be punctuated by meetings on the site of the three Sedif factories (Choisy-le-Roi, Méry-sur-Oise and Neuilly-sur-Marne). CNDP stands will also be set up at the weekend at the foot of buildings, in markets or on the banks of rivers.
The 3 public meetings:
Tuesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. in Choisy-le Roi, Le Royal room (13 avenue Anatole France)
Tuesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. in Méry-sur-Oise at the Domaine de la Bastide
Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. in Neuilly-sur-Marne, Wedding Hall
