• DOI:10.2166/WST.2004.0081
• Corpus ID: 46541238

Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater in agriculture: revisiting WHO guidelines.

@article{Carr2004GuidelinesFT,
  title={Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater in agriculture: revisiting WHO guidelines.},
  author={Richard M Carr and Ursula J. Blumenthal and D. Duncan Mara},
  journal={Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research},
  year={2004},
  volume={50 2},
  pages={
          31-8
        }
}

• R. Carr, U. Blumenthal, D. Mara
• Published 1 July 2004
• Medicine
• Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research

The use of wastewater in agriculture is occurring more frequently because of water scarcity and population growth. Often the poorest households rely on this resource for their livelihood and food security needs. However, there are negative health implications of this practice that need to be addressed. WHO developed Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture in 1989. The Guidelines are currently being revised based on new data from epidemiological studies, quantitative microbial risk assessments and other relevant information. WHO guidelines must be practical and offer feasible risk management solutions that will minimize health threats and allow for the beneficial use of scarce resources. To achieve the greatest impact on health, guidelines should be implemented with other health measures such as: health education, hygiene promotion, provision of adequate drinking water and sanitation, and other health care measures.