Reclaimed water for the irrigation of vineyards: Mexico and South Africa as case studies

Abstract

The use of untreated or partially treated wastewater for crops irrigation is common practice worldwide, especially in countries that face hydric limitations such as Mexico and South Africa. Both are countries denominated new world producers of wine and its economic importance in both regions is evident. Recent droughts in both countries have made it imperative to look for new sources of water for irrigation purposes in order to maintain agricultural production. It was found that there are no scientific or legal obstacles to implementing vineyard irrigation with reclaimed water. In particular, Mexico has definite plans to use reclaimed water in its Guadalupe Valley at a flowrate of 1000 litres per second, thus with the potential of becoming the largest place worldwide to use reclaimed water for the vineyards irrigation. South Africa, has faced recent severe water droughts that also call for unconventional sources of water for irrigation but as yet has no concrete plans despite having a regulatory framework that promotes water reuse. More emphasis on wastewater irrigation during national resource planning, and inclusion of wastewater as a resource when undertaking water planning could reap rewards in terms of job creation, rural development and economic security in both countries.