Conceptualizing Equity for Onsite Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems in the United States

Abstract

There has been a push to adopt onsite nonpotable water reuse systems (ONWS) as a supplement for conventional centralized water infrastructure. While a majority of work has centered on developing the technology, we instead focus on the implications for equity when attempting wide-scale adoption. Using existing definitions and resources for water equity in the sector, we investigate ONWS in San Francisco and New York City, using semi-structured interviews conducted with stakeholders. A qualitative approach with thematic coding and sentiment analysis is used to explore how stakeholders perceive equity in relation to their work and the resulting social, economic, and environmental implications for ONWS. Results confirm a general sentiment—equity is necessary, yet it is unclear how to incorporate this concept into practice. In some instances, equity is viewed as secondary to utility planning, operation, and management; we propose that it should be incorporated intentionally as an approach to enhance service provision. This study has implications for literature and practice as it demonstrates how decision-makers in ONWS programs engage with the concept of equity. We demonstrate how stakeholders’ roles can impact their implementation of equity, and discuss how practitioners may use this work as foundational understanding in assessing internal operations and practices, improving infrastructure in the pathway to sustainable development.