What Germany’s University Beginners Think about Water Reuse

Abstract

Water reuse is a new technology, not yet implemented, but discussed for use in Germany. Public opinion plays a major role in the success of the introduction of this new technology and was not yet analyzed for Germany. When monitoring 340 university beginners' conceptions regarding water reuse, a variety of conceptions appeared. While usage of tap water is accepted for drinking purposes, acceptance of recycled water for oral consumption was low. When asked for reasons for (not) using recycled water, three groups of respondents were extracted: (a) The acceptors (convinced of quality, or naming sustainability as a reason); (b) the undecided (doubts about quality, rejection of its use for consumption, and psychological conflicts of logic and disgust); (c) the non-acceptors (unconvinced of quality and preference for bottled water). When asked about factors that would lead to accepting the use of recycled water, insights into treatment processes were identified as the most convincing, followed by educational films and guided tours. Participants showed high conviction about currently existing tap-water qualities. Having water that is cleaned before it reaches the consumer was reported to have high priority. To increase acceptance of water reuse, recommendations for appropriate outreach programs are discussed.

Conceptions of university students on microplastics in Germany

“…Hence, those gaps are subject areas that need to be explained in very basic terms to prevent students from explaining these concepts based on their own experiences, leading to superficial approaches and interpretations that differ from scientific perspectives. Schmid’s & Bogner’s [ 94 ] study on students’ conceptions on water reuse supports this claim. Although knowledge about new technologies of water reuse was missing, students expressed concern about water quality.…”

“…Although knowledge about new technologies of water reuse was missing, students expressed concern about water quality. Schmid & Bogner [ 94 ] concluded well-thought outreach activities as necessary to create acceptance. Alternative or missing conceptions on special topics are essential clues for educators and experts in the field.…”

The Potential Role of Hybrid Constructed Wetlands Treating University Wastewater—Experience from Northern Italy

“…In fact, public perception was reported to be one of the main problems preventing successful application of water reuse projects [18]. On the other hand, it was found that university students in Germany generally have positive attitudes towards water reuse, but at the same time they had many doubts about its quality [19].…”

Water Reuse: A Comprehensive Review

“…Showering and drinking water received the least acceptance. The perceived health risk was judged to be a determining factor, and higher educational level contributed to a greater likelihood of acceptance [63]. In addition, knowledge of possible unplanned reuse led to a higher level of acceptance of planned reuse.…”

“…Students in Germany who had no previous experience with reuse systems showed acceptance especially for applications such as watering plants and the garden, flushing the toilet, or washing the car [63]. Showering and drinking water received the least acceptance.…”