The report describes an investigation of the health risks posed by the use of waste water for sprinkler irrigation in an area close to Qalqilya. A field survey of disease incidence was carried out before, during and after the irrigation season in 1986. Two areas were surveyed: one is 20to 600 meters from the irrigation site and the other is approximately two kilometers from the site.
A comparison of disease patterns in the two areas did not provide sufficiently strong evidence for a conclusion to be made that a health effect had been detected. In addition, during the irrigation season, the irrigation method in the strip of fields closest to Qalqilya was changed from sprinkle to drip. This reduced the chance that any health effect would be detected by the study.
It is concluded that more research is required before rational public health guidelines could be devised. In the meantime, the authors conclude that Israeli guidelines requiring a minimum distance of 400 meters between the sprinkler site and the residential area should be followed.