Agronomic and health aspects of storage ponds located on a golf course irrigated with reclaimed wastewater in Tunisia

In Tunisia, golf courses are irrigated with reclaimed wastewater stored in ponds for Variable periods. The impact of storage on the sanitary and agronomic quality of the water was evaluated in two surveys conducted over one year. The water quality of the golf course ponds, operated as open ponds, was directly dependent on the flowrate and the quality of the new effluents, The faecal coliforms removal varied between 4 log. units at the end of winter and 1 log. unit in summer. Values exceeding the WHO guidelines (1989) (200 FC/100 mt) were recorded in the irrigation water, Reclaimed wastewater stored 20 days up to 8 months in two experimental closed ponds was in compliance with WHO guidelines throughout the year, i.e. 1000 FC/100 mi after a residence time of 5 to 10 days and 200 FC/100 mi after 40 days. A substantial loss of the water fertilizing potential was noticed after long storage. Storage increases the Volume of water available for the dry season, and allows wider uses and unrestricted irrigation. A sequential use of the golf course ponds, with alternating closing and opening phases, would improve the water quality.