The reuse of wastewater in agriculture : a guide for planners

Properly designed, adequately implemented wastewater reuse is an environmental protection measure to reduce the amount of (treated or untreated) waste dumped into surface waters. Wastewater reuse, especially where there is a scarcity of water, conserves freshwater resources to meet the growing demand for freshwater in urban areas. It has the potential to reduce the cost of both wastewater disposal and the provision of irrigation water, especially around cities and towns with sewers. This report examines issues in wastewater reuse - with an emphasis on agriculture - and suggests consideration of land application as a disposal option, even where no urgent need for additional sources of irrigation water exists. It looks at water resources, costs and benefits, health risks, socio-cultural aspects and technologies. The authors offer project development guidelines intended for project planners who are involved in water-related projects including urban sanitation, integrated water resources management, irrigation in peri-urban areas and environmental improvement.