The use of wastewater in irrigation of forage crops is a practice that increases daily in areas where water, for this purpose, is scarce. However, growers, when being in direct contact with wastewater, suffer from gastrointestinal diseases caused by coliforms and parasites (helminths). In the present study, we evaluated fecal coliform (in wastewater, soil and plants) and helminths (in wastewater) in module II, Irrigation District 028, Tulancingo, Hidalgo. Bacteriological and helminth analyzes were consistent with the methodologies reported in the NMX-AA-003-1980, NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, PROY NMX-AA-042-SCFI-2008 and section 9810 APHA. A total 16 water sampling sites were determined in irrigation channels and 54 samples of both soil and plants were taken. The highest fecal coliform concentrations were 2 x 1010 MPN·100 mL-1 of water, 109 MPN·100 g-1 of soil, 109 MPN·100 g-1 of root and 3 x 109 MPN·100 g-1 of stem. Eleven of the 16 sampling sites were helminths. We suggest treating wastewater before use, to prevent health problems among growers.

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