On the factors influencing public knowledge and acceptance of reclaimed water from a survey of three cities in northern China

Zhongfan Zhu,Hongrui Wang,Aihua Li

doi:10.2166/wrd.2018.049

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we analysed the survey results regarding the level of public knowledge about, and general attitudes towards, reclaimed water in Jinan, Weifang, and Yantai, three cities in northern China that experience serious water shortages. The objective is to identify the factors influencing public knowledge and acceptance of reclaimed water and determine the hurdles of water reuse applications. The results showed that: (1) educational background was moderately correlated, and age and monthly income were weakly correlated, with the respondents' knowledge about water resources and use; (2) gender, occupation, and economic income were not related to public attitudes toward reclaimed water, and older people and those with higher educational backgrounds were more willing to accept the use of reclaimed water than were other respondents. This study could provide a valuable reference in other regions of China and developing countries facing similar issues of reclaimed water. The knowledge of this study will help to overcome public acceptance hurdles in other projects.

Highlights

We focus on the factors influencing public knowledge and acceptance of reclaimed water by analysing the survey results in three representative cities in Shandong province, namely Jinan, Weifang, and Yantai located near the western, middle and eastern part of the province
While older people were generally more willing to accept the use of reclaimed water as a source of domestic non-potable water, those older than 50 years old were the most resistant towards using reclaimed water as domestic potable water
The analysis results show that the educational background of respondents was related, whereas age and monthly income were only weakly related, to the respondents’ knowledge about water resources and use

Summary

Introduction

With a long-term annual precipitation of 660 mm, groundwater and surface water resources in China are. The government is striving to develop alternative sources of water, such as reclaimed water (reuse of recycled water), rainwater harvesting, and seawater desalination.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion