Modification of the standards of wastewater reuse in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Standards for effluent are stringent and unintentionally impose unnecessary limitations on disposal and reuse of wastewater. The standards as written may actually prevent agricultural uses, and impose near drinking water quality on reuse of water. Conflicts between official standards and practical considerations cause confusion and inaccurate accounting. The unrealistically high requirements also frustrate the development of needed wastewater treatment facilities. This article details present wastewater reuse regulations and existing treatment facilities, and argues the case for a more discriminating set of standards. Such would allow a variety of reuses for present wastewater production at different sites, with consequent economic growth. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.