Wastewater reuse in landscape and agricultural development in Doha, Qatar

Excessive use of potable water in irrigation can be reduced considerably through treated wastewater reuse specially when fresh water resources in Qatar are scarce and the water supply depends on the limited groundwater and costly desalinated water. In view of the use of treated effluent in irrigation, the infiltration of brackish groundwater into the sewerage system should be eliminated and stringent standards to control leakages should be laid for new construction. The wastewater treatment methods and the effluent quality in general meet the criteria and standards governing the use of effluent in irrigation of landscape and agriculture. The reuse plan controls pollution by eliminating discharge of the wastewater to the gulf and contributes to the aesthetic and economic value of the area. The development of green areas along the roadside reservations and sidewalks through effluent reuse has been successful.The cultivation of fodder crops and development of forestry through effluent irrigation in agricultural farms far from the centre of population seems feasible and safe. However it is necessary to consider and evaluate the social and religious factors at the planning stage of the reuse schemes. With adequate planning,surviellance programme,health education,training of workers and awareness amongst the population, effluent reuse can be practised with minimum health risk and confidence can be established in the users.