Community viewpoints about water crisis, conservation and recycling: a case study in Tehran

Abstract

Water resources management to maintain a balance between demand and supply requires new technologies such as alternative water supply systems, specifically in arid and semiarid regions. This case study aimed to examine the community views about water issues as well as management strategies such as conservation and recycling that was conducted on 380 residents in two municipal regions of Tehran. Data were collected from February 2016 to November 2016 by constructed questionnaire with 314 suitable participants responding. Results showed an association between attitudes toward water management, age, gender and education. Improving public knowledge and clarification would help to enhance social trust and positive attitudes, as well as encourage the adoption of more responsible behaviors toward water resources. The government, local association and water resources managers are key agents for the handling of sociocultural barriers for water resources sustainability in the world.