This valuable review of action worldwide on using wastewater for irrigation resulted from joint action by the International Water Management Institute (in Sri Lanka) and the International Development Research Centre (in Canada). Much effort to improve irrigation operation has, in the past, been focussed on rural areas, where water quality was not always a major issue. However, in urban and peri-urban areas, where demands for food from ‘non-agricultural populations are high, wastewater offers opportunities for irrigation, but balanced against risks from serious health problems arising from poor water quality and pollution.

This excellent review was originally published in hardback in 2004, but is featured now due to a recent reissue in paperback. Sixteen chapters are each written by teams from one to four authors. Thirty-one contributors, from many countries, are listed. An initial chapter by the three editors, focusing on management challenges, is followed by contributions on the need for a common wastewater typology, on a sustainable livelihoods approach, and on health and microbial guidelines. The chapter on a ‘Common Wastewater Typology’ by Wim van der Hoek is particularly valuable in helping to define the various technical terms involved. There follow ten contributions based on practical field work in a wide range of countries – Bolivia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Senegal, Tunisia and Vietnam. The editors provide conclusions.

This book can be strongly recommended to those who wish to know more about the complex balances which need to be struck when using urban wastewater for irrigation.