Research Articles published by Science Publishing Group
Water reuse is one of the alternatives to counteract the already experienced water shortages. However water
reuse as any other investment is associated with costs. This article looks at water reuse for irrigation as one of the areas that
has recently gained attention. However, water reuse requires a prior installation of wastewater treatment and the irrigation
systems of which all requires financial resources. Analysis of the costs and benefits of water reuse remains one of the key
tools for decision making. Unfortunately there has been no universal way for doing cost benefit analysis that can fit all reuse
applications and the local settings. The objective of this study was to customize the existing water reuse cost benefit analysis
methods and develop cost benefit analysis for water reuse in irrigation. The net benefit value approach was studied, examined
and modified to incorporate all the relevant cost items and benefits associated with water reuse in irrigation. Based on the
approach developed a discussion have been made whereby it was evident that the main cost elements for water reuse in
irrigation are those associated with land for installations, the treatment plant and the irrigation systems involving their
installations, operation and maintenance. On the other hand it has been shown that the main elements for benefits are related
to natural resources recovered, improved agricultural production and the environmental benefits.