Aqaba Declaration on Greywater Use in the MENA Region, February 15th 2007:

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We, 29 experts, researchers and practitioners from eight different countries and representing 17 institutions, agree that greywater provides an important potential to alleviate water scarcity in dry countries and that it should be seen as a water source as opposed to a waste product. We also agree that reclaimed greywater use can be environmentally, socially and economically beneficial and culturally acceptable. We consider that greywater use must be promoted in a way that minimizes health and environmental risks while generating economic benefits. Based on what is known to date, we also agree that:

1. Greywater use is considered to have potential as a water demand management option for the MENA region and that we should respond to existing demand for non-conventional sources of water by promoting the widespread adoption of greywater use.
2. It is useful to see greywater both as a strategy to address water scarcity, as well as a poverty alleviation strategy.
3. In order to raise the profile of greywater and promote its widespread use we need to work closely with all relevant stakeholders and should focus on clear and straightforward messages.
4. We agree that more information is required, for example on:
   • Impacts of greywater use on health
   • Impacts of greywater use on soil and plants
   • Social and economic impacts
   • Greywater characterization
   • Appropriate technologies
5. We agree that any technological intervention should be cost effective while meeting accepted standards.

Download The Aqaba Declaration with the list of undersigned names and affiliations here:

Aqaba Declaration-Greywater Use INWRDAM-IDRC.pdf  (485 kB)