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Literature review: Risks to human health from pathogens in recycled wastewater

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

The purpose of this review is to highlight recent studies (post-2006) in the literature that can be used by public health officers to prepare advice and inform policies and resource consent applications based on the risk to public health from wastewater reuse, and to identify appropriate mitigation measures for potential adverse health effects. The review focuses on human health issues from pathogenic microorganisms in wastewater for reuse in high income countries because microbial contamination has been identified as the greatest risk associated with wastewater reuse.

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