A research on social and economic aspects of waste water irrigation and alternative approaches: Case study in Gaziantep

Research on social and economic aspects of wastewater irrigation is important in terms of giving idea to decision makers in order to establish sustainable waste water irrigation policy. In this study, impact on farmers' income of using or not using waste water in irrigation, farmers' and consumers' approaches to subject and awareness level of them, probable effect on public health of waste water irrigation and solutions to problems were investigated. In the study, surveys were carried out with 46 farmers practiced waste water irrigation in Gaziantep and 384 households in Gaziantep City Centre, Also, "Depth Interview" was done with related Institutions. It was found that the health of farmers applied wastewater for irrigation and consumers consuming raw uncooked vegetables are under health risk, advanced treatment and disinfection is necessary, farmers and consumers can share in advanced treatment cost to some extend. Comparison to dry farming, increment in net income per decare is 928 TL in current waste water irrigation. But, it would be 1457 TL by means of irrigation with advanced treated waste water, also, health cost would be decreased 923 303 TL per year. Studies show that prohibition of waste water irrigation can not be practiced. However, improving awareness level of public and using waste water in irrigation after advanced treatment are both sustainable approaches and compulsory for solution.