Public perception and participation in water reuse

The Water Environment Research Foundation in the United States funded an interdisciplinary and integrative social science study on public perception and participation in water reuse within the US. It employed a three-phased research protocol consisting of 1) literature review and three comprehensive case studies, including interpretive white papers from five different social science disciplines and public health and environmental engineering scientists, 2) a multi-stakeholder workshop to promote integrative, interdisciplinary analysis of the literature and case study findings, and 3) peer-review among twenty-one social science and water resource management experts. The case studies included examples of potable and non-potable reuse, with elements of success and failure. Five themes were identified as critical to building and maintaining public confidence in water resource management and water reuse decision-making: managing information for all stakeholders; maintaining individual motivation and demonstrating organizational commitment; promoting communication and public dialog; ensuring a fair and sound decision-making process and outcome; and building and maintaining trust. The study produced guidance for water resource professionals with a strategy for assessing the community context and developing a principle-based approach to public outreach, education and participation.