Potential for wastewater reuse in irrigation: Case study from Aden (Yemen)

Wastewater treatment with waste stabilization ponds (WSP) is a very efficient, low cost and low maintenance operation. The treated wastewater from WSP should be considered as a valuable resource for reuse by water resources managers. Yemen's water resources are currently experiencing a crisis, because all surface water and groundwater resources are exploited beyond the level of recharge. Promoting water reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation could mitigate this water crisis. This paper assesses the performance of a WSP in the city of Aden by examining the quality of treated sewage predominantly of domestic origin. A comparison with international guidelines reveals that it is possible to use the final effluent to a limited extent in irrigation. This paper includes an outline of the social, religious and political reasons for the water crisis, and explores the idea of reuse of effluent for different irrigation practices.