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Wastewater is a valuable resource, however without a properly developed framework policy, safe and efficient management of this resource can not be achieved. Wastewater reuse standards for agriculture are reviewed in this document in the light of recent epidemiological and microbiological studies. There is a particularly emphasis on their impact on wastewater reuse policy and standards in Mexico.

Results of the studies presented indicate that a bacterial standard of 103 FC/100ml for unrestricted irrigation, as proposed within the Mexican wastewater reuse standards (NOM 1996) and by WHO (1989), would seem adequate for restricted irrigation. Epidemiological studies suggest that there is a small risk to the health of consumers of raw crops irrigated with water whose microbiological quality is one order of magnitude above the WHO guideline level. Consumption of certain raw crops is associated with slight risk of enteric infection, while other crops appear not to pose a threat. However in situations where there are insufficient resources to reach 103 FC/100ml, then a more relaxed guideline of 104 FC/100ml could be adopted, but should be supplemented by other health protection measures.