However, he warns there are risks to be managed and the AGWR sets down guidelines to assure safety based on implementation and monitoring of appropriate treatment processes and on-site controls.
“The AGWR includes a focus on developing and implementing risk management plans to assure water quality prior to use.
“The principal hazards for humans from recycled water are microbial, with enteric viruses generally representing the greatest risk,” Dr Cunliffe says in the paper.
“Microbial hazards are also the greatest risk for livestock, although there are significant points of difference.
“A typical scheme for irrigation of pasture includes secondary treatment, lagoon detention exceeding 25 days, chlorination, exclusion of lactating dairy cattle for 4 hours after irrigation or until pasture is dry or drying/ensiling of fodder.”
Dr David Cunliffe presents his paper at the AVA national conference on Thursday at the Perth Convention Centre.