Survey of statewide public perceptions regarding water reuse in Arizona

Abstract

Increasing demands on water resources have made water reuse an attractive option for extending water supplies in the southwest. However, concerns remain about the potential risks of contact with recycled water. This study focused on perceptions regarding water reuse and how these may affect future utilization of the resource. This study, based on a telephone survey of 400 randomly-selected Arizona residents, was used to assess public opinion of water reuse in the state. Survey results indicated that residents feel it is important for their community to use recycled water. In fact, 76% of those surveyed support using 'consumer incentives for using recycled water', and over two-thirds of respondents support 'increasing water or sewer rates to treat water to higher standards'. Despite this support, the survey revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents have concerns about recycled water. Those concerns can be alleviated by providing 'better information about recycled water'. Education level proved to be the most significant demographic affecting perception of terminology and recycled water uses. These results can be used by water agencieseven those outside Arizonato address community concerns, effectively promote water reuse, and develop more sustainable and accepted alternatives to augment their water portfolios.

Effects of Community Perceptions and Institutional Capacity on Smallholder Farmers’ Responses to Water Scarcity: Evidence from Arid Northwestern China

“…They also concluded that increasing dry periods raised respondents' concern of water shortage and promoted active water conservation. Their conclusions were confirmed by other studies conducted at the regional and state levels [42][43][44]. In a similar vein, through examining the stakeholder perceptions of social and institutional barriers, Brown et al [45] held that practitioner receptivity, with its four dimensions (awareness, association, acquisition, and application), is among the critical factors in urban water management practices.…”

Use of Treated Municipal Wastewater as Power Plant Cooling System Makeup Water: Tertiary Treatment versus Expanded Chemical Regimen for Recirculating Water Quality Management

“…Public education is the key to overcoming public fears about a reuse system, particularly fears that relate to public health and water quality (McKenzie, 2005). Additionally, the survey confirmed that by providing stronger oversight of treatment plants, better wastewater treatment, and better information about reclaimed water could help reduce concerns about reclaimed water (Rock et al, 2009). …”

“…A survey on reuse and recharge of treated water and wastewater conducted at the University of Arizona (Rock et al, 2009) studied public perception towards terminology, support for potential uses of reclaimed water, concerns about using reclaimed water, support of implementation strategies and how to reduce concerns about reclaimed water. It was found that when negative terminology such as "effluent", tertiary treated wastewater", "wastewater", "toilet to tap" were replaced by positive terminology such as "water reuse", "recycled water", "repurified water", "reclaimed water", the public accepted the concept of reuse more readily.…”

Water Reclamation and Reuse

“…Four hundred randomly selected Arizona citizens were surveyed by telephone to better understand public perceptions of water reuse (Rock et al, 2012). Results showed that even though most supported water reuse, over two thirds had concerns about recycled water, with education level having a significant impact on perceptions of water reuse.…”