Public Acceptance of Wastewater Reuse: New Evidence from Factor and Regression Analyses

Tarik Chfadi,Renna Thaha,Mohamed Gheblawi

doi:10.3390/w13101391

Tarik Chfadi, Renna Thaha + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/w13101391

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Abstract

The present study attempts to unravel the determinants of public acceptance of Treated Wastewater (TWW) reuse in the United Arab Emirates. A representative sample (1426) of Al-Ain city residents, were interviewed, using a structured questionnaire, on their knowledge and attitudes towards TWW reuse, and other demographic characteristics. Descriptive analysis shows high public acceptance for applications with low contact and lower acceptance for those involving direct or indirect consumption of TWW, and/or skin contact. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of acceptance responses identified (Kaiser–Mayer–Olkin test = 0.942; p-value < 0.001 for Bartlett’s test) five factors/categories of applications that differ in level and type of contact. The five groups of applications are Direct consumption, Indirect Consumption, Non-food Agricultural, Industrial, and Skin Contact. ANOVA analysis (p < 0.0001) and Spearman’s Rho test validated earlier findings. Another PCA of respondents’ reasons for hesitation towards TWW delivers two factors, attitude toward contamination risk and psychological “yuck” factors. Regression analyses show that both factors are influenced by knowledge and sources of information, and the former is affected by demographic characteristics. PCA and regression analyses provide a robust methodological framework for the study TWW reuse acceptance, and highlight the importance of communication in improving its social sustainability.

Highlights

Water issues have been the focus of international concern because of the growing pressure on freshwater resources resulting from increase in water demand and in some instances, its wasteful use, as well as mounting pollution
The present study aims to fill that gap in providing policy makers in Al Ain—and across country—with accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information on the public acceptance of Treated Wastewater (TWW) reuse
The reality is that Al Ain generates 71.2 hm3 of wastewater annually and the three wastewater treatment plants in the city produce together an average of 65 hm3 of treated wastewater annually

Summary

Introduction

Water issues have been the focus of international concern because of the growing pressure on freshwater resources resulting from increase in water demand and in some instances, its wasteful use, as well as mounting pollution. Achieving efficient water allocation requires a multidisciplinary approach to managing water resources to maximize economic welfare while guaranteeing social equity and ecological sustainability [1]. Reuse of treated wastewater (TWW hereafter) is widely being researched and recognized as a practical response to the rising demand for water and limited freshwater availability; TWW is gaining importance not just as an alternative source of water and as means to lessen environmental degradation [2]. As displayed in its regional trends, various factors seem to influence wastewater reuse, including economic and financial considerations, social acceptability, water resources availability, and other environmental aspects. In the Middle East and North Africa region, water reuse is driven by water scarcity, amplified by population growth and climate change effects [4,5]

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