A compendium of standards for wastewater reuse in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

This compendium provides an overview of the quality standards for the reuse of treated wastewater in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Information was collected through surveys and from the Centre for Environmental Health Activities (CEHA), who conducted countries requesting that ministries of health provide pertinent standards and regulations for wastewater reuse quality standards in their countries. Available standards are summarized from Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Yemen. Available wastewater reuse standards are for Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. No specific standards are promulgated for wastewater reuse in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan or Palestine. This compendium also shows the recommended guidelines for water and greywater reuse as set by the regional consultation in Amman, Jordan in October 2003 which was held to review national priorities and action plans for wastewater reuse and management. Generally, Wastewater reuse standards in countries of the Region are either adopted from WHO standards or other international standards with out adapting them to suit local conditions. Local studies are essential as they may result in a relaxation of the guidelines and thus augment the quantities of reclaimed water without compromising public health, or may result in the need for more stringent standards to protect public health. In either case, such studies are deemed necessary to ensure effective and safe implementation of wastewater reuse guidelines, as this will increase confidence in reclaimed water as a valuable resource