7.10 Adequacy for Emergency Contexts

In emergency situations, particularly during the stabilisation and recovery phases, using treated wastewater for irrigation can be a practical solution. There is an increasing trend towards implementing initiatives for food production and greening of camps in such scenarios. Additionally, reusing treated effluent and greywater for irrigation purposes can help reduce the reliance on other freshwater sources.

The primary obstacle to adopting treated wastewater for irrigation is social acceptance. Using irrigation water derived from a water-based sanitation system for edible crops may not always be met with approval. However, it can remain viable for biomass production, fodder crops, and municipal projects like irrigating parks and street trees. Depending on the wastewater source and treatment method, it can be processed to a point where it no longer presents significant odour or vector issues. Adhering to safety and application regulations is crucial.

Because of the high space requirement, it might be challenging to implement the irrigation system onsite of the treatment system and therefore, integration of local agricultural structures could provide a viable option and benefit the local communities if information, means, tools and materials for safe handling and monitoring of treated effluent are available.