AbstractThe use of wastewater in agriculture - often untreated or inadequately treated - is occurring more frequently because of water scarcity and population growth. Often the poorest households rely on this resource for their livelihood and food security needs. However, there are negative health implications of this practice that need to be addressed. In 1989 the World Health Organization (WHO) developed guidelines for the safe use of wastewater in agriculture, which are currently being revised based on new data from epidemiological studies, quantitative microbial risk assessments and other relevant information. The revisions being developed are in accordance with the Stockholm Framework that provides a tool for managing health risks from all water-related microbial exposures. The Stockholm Framework encourages a flexible approach to setting guidelines, allowing countries to adapt the guidelines to their own social, cultural, economic, and environmental circumstances. It is important to recognise that in many situations where wastewater is used in agriculture, the effective treatment of such wastewater may not be available for many years. WHO guidelines must therefore be practical and offer feasible risk-management solutions that will minimise health threats and allow for the beneficial use of scarce resources. To achieve the greatest impact on health, guidelines should be implemented with such other health promoting measures as: health education, hygiene promotion, provision of adequate drinking water and sanitation, etc.