Water Renew is an approach to wastewater management that utilises the high water and nutrient uptake capacity of fast-growing, intensively planted trees, and the filtration potential and microbial activity of the soil, to remove potential pollutants from wastewater. 
The research project is an EU LIFE funded collaboration of field sites across the UK, investigating the irrigation of fast growing coppice trees as an alternative to surface water discharge of effluent, reducing nitrogen and phosphorous levels in areas where this has been a problem in the past, and producing sustainable  wood bio fuel.
Each site was chosen to compare particular hydro-geographical properties, tree species, and Irrigation methods.
From these investigations models are drawn and guidelines developed to promote this technology in areas where tertiary effluent treatment would be beneficial environmentally and economically.
The overriding aim of any Water Renew site is to provide the final polishing of wastewater whilst growing coppice trees as a source of renewable energy.
WRc has worked with Cranfield University and Queens University Belfast in running a series of trial sites investigating the commercial potential of Water Renew.

In March 2007, the Water Renew technology was referenced within a Parliamentary POST note entitled “Energy from Sewage”, which is circulated to all Parliamentary Members, and can be publicly accessed from the following website link: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn282.pdf