Local conditions and the economic feasibility of urban wastewater recycling in irrigated agriculture: Lessons from a stochastic regional analysis in California

Using treated wastewater for crop irrigation could help mitigate water scarcity. We examine the feasibility of this strategy focusing on the role of local conditions, such as the costs and benefits of alternative wastewater discharge options, and adaptability of agricultural production to water quantity and quality changes. Our approach accounts for uncertainties in the availability of natural water resources and regulatory constraints concerning wastewater discharge. Our analysis of a region in Southern California finds reuse for crop irrigation unwarranted; however, utilizing that practice to support agriculture in the region is economically inexpensive. A sensitivity analysis reveals that diversified agriculture and limitations on the safe and remote discharge of treated wastewater are strong incentives for reuse in agricultural irrigation.