Contextual and psychological factors in using recycled stormwater for residential purposes: a case study from Taiyuan, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reviewed the managed aquifer recharge (MAR) practices around the world and explored urban residents' attitudes towards using stormwater recycled through MAR for residential uses in a Chinese socio-cultural context. The exploration was conducted from both contextual and psychological perspectives based on two established theories. The moderating effect of gender on residents' attitudes was tested. The results showed that most respondents supported using recycled stormwater for residential purposes but demonstrated hesitance in using recycled stormwater for uses that present proximity to human contact, which normally requires connecting the water to their house. Regarding the water quality attributes such as the colour, odour, and salt content of recycled stormwater, respondents were more tolerant if the water was used for uses that have limited human contact and less tolerant for uses that have close human contact. Therefore, any future decision to connect recycled stormwater into houses would require careful consideration and investigation as it depends on a range of issues including the proximity to human contact and the quality attributes of the water. Gender was a weak predictor in moderating respondents' attitudes towards using recycled stormwater, which adds to the inconsistent literature.