1. Water Reuse in Agriculture
- Pros and Cons
Dr. Konrad Buchauer
Moldova

2. International Development of Water Reuse Pros of Water Reuse
Table of Contents
Reuse Applications
International Development of Water Reuse
Pros of Water Reuse
Cons of Water Reuse
Summary

3. Agricultural Reuse is just one out of many options
1. Reuse Applications
Agricultural Reuse is just one out of many options
Agricultural Reuse
Urban Reuse: green areas, parks, golf courses, etc.
Recreational Reuse: lakes for swimming, boating, fishing, snow-making, etc.
Environmental Enhancement: creation / enhancement of wetlands, stream flow
Groundwater Recharge: potable water, salt water intrusion & subsidence control
Industrial Reuse: process water, cooling water, etc.
Residential Reuse: toilet, laundry, air-conditioning, etc.
Potable Reuse: direct or after blending with other sources
Paddy field irrigation Osaka Castle (Japan) Groundwater recharge (Los Angeles, USA)

4. Two examples out of many: Water reuse is on the rise
2. International Development of Water Reuse
Two examples out of many: Water reuse is on the rise
(1) California, USA
(2) Israel
Water reuse as compared to overall wastewater treatment

5. Advantages 3. Pros of Water Reuse
Reliable source of supply: little dependence on weather conditions.
Reduced stress on ‘traditional’ water supply: reduced demand for investments into expansion of existing water supply schemes, since part of ‘traditional’ water sources is replaced by reused sources.
Availability near to agricultural application, i.e. mostly outside cities.
High content of nutrients (N, P) permits to reduce application of synthetic fertilizers, thereby reducing cost.
Benefits for rural population.
Long experience exists in many countries at different levels of development.
Attractiveness of investment (private & public) in the wastewater sector increases as a whole, if there is a market for water reuse.
‘WHO Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater. Vol.2: Wastewater use in agriculture’ (2006) permit for a flexible approach towards treatment standards.

6. Necessary considerations
4. Cons of Water Reuse
Necessary considerations
Social acceptance?
Co-operation of different sectors is sometimes difficult.
Requirement for treatment and agricultural expertise, to analyse specific requirements and adjust to flexible treatment standards.
Risk to human health?
- Pathogens: bacteria, viruses, Helminths
Risk to environment?
- Heavy metals
- Organics (endocrine disrupters, antibiotics, halogenated compounds)
- Salinity

7. 5. Summary
Agricultural reuse is just one out of many water reuse applications.
There is a strong tendency worldwide to water reuse applications.
Water reuse in agriculture offers attractive benefits, since it is a reliable source of supply combined with a potential for cost savings (both for water utility and farmers).
Concerns (health, environment, social, organisational) have to be addressed.

8. Literature
World Bank, The Water for Food Team: Investing in the reuse of treated wastewater. Agricultural and Rural Development Notes, Issue 17, June 2006.
UNEP, GEC: Water and wastewater reuse
California Department of Water Resources, Recycled Water Task Force: Water Recycling May 2003.
H. Cikurel, A.Aharoni, N.Tal: Water reuse in Israel