Risk-Yuck Factor Nexus in Reclaimed Wastewater for Irrigation: Comparing Farmers’ Attitudes and Public Perception

Sandra Ricart,Antonio Rico,Anna Ribas

doi:10.3390/w11020187

Abstract

The successes and failures of water reuse schemes are shaped by complex interrelationships between technological, economic, and socio-political factors. However, it has long been recognized that the main challenges to more effective water management are largely social rather than technical. This article reviews the recent literature (2007–2017) to analyze driving factors associated with farmers’ concerns and public perception of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation. The aim of the paper is to synthetize how both environmental and health risks and the yuck factor could be addressed in order to promote mutual understanding between farmers and the public. Results show: (1) how farmers and the public perceive environmental and health risks in a similar way, (2) how the yuck factor is more noticeable for the public than farmers, and (3) how constructed wetlands, reclaimed water exchange consortiums, product certification, and direct site visits to water reuse infrastructure could be promoted in order to foster understanding between farmers and the public. The article concludes by providing key research questions for managers and public authorities relating to how to focus on the study of technical and social issues related to water reuse.

Highlights

Pressures from climate change [1], drought and water resource competition [2,3], and urban growth [4] have put a significant strain on freshwater supplies
This systematic process for screening literature on the topic of wastewater reuse for agricultural purposes aims to provide an overview of what kind of research studies focused on wastewater risks and the yuck factor currently existing
It is not usual to ask farmers and the public together about perception of environmental and health risks related to reclaimed wastewater for irrigation

Summary

Introduction

Pressures from climate change [1], drought and water resource competition [2,3], and urban growth [4] have put a significant strain on freshwater supplies. The World Health Organization has considered driving forces for global wastewater reuse, such as water scarcity and stress, food security issues for increasing populations, and environmental pollution from improper wastewater disposal. Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable activities to water scarcity, as it accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals and more than 90% of consumption [5]. Alternative solutions focused on water supply have been promoted in order to address this gap. Water reuse was applied to address urban and industrial purposes and agricultural ones [10]. A report by Hamilton et al [12] tried to deepen on reclaimed water use for irrigation at a global scale, obtaining as a result a value around 20 Mha of land irrigated with reclaimed wastewater

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion