In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the scarcity of freshwater resources is a critical problem and the reuse of low quality water in urban agriculture is increasing. This study compares the parasitological characteristics of wastewater at the inlet and outlet of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and inside an open channel which conveys the treated wastewater to a garden site situated downstream of the WWTP. Non-viable parasite cysts or eggs were found at the inlet and outlet of the WWTP; in contrast, parasite cysts and eggs were found at the open channel sampling point with a high percentage of viability. Additionally, an epidemiological study was performed that demonstrates that open defecation practiced by highly infected people inside the garden site caused recontamination of the treated wastewater. Therefore, to reuse treated wastewater and avoid new contamination, a safety plan is necessary. The safety plan should particularly focus on offering alternatives to open defecation by installing toilets at the garden site.

Parasites, Open defecation, Wastewater, Reuses, Ouagadougou