Predicting support and likelihood of protest in relation to the use of treated stormwater with managed aquifer recharge for potable and non-potable purposes

Title
Predicting support and likelihood of protest in relation to the use of treated stormwater with managed aquifer recharge for potable and non-potable purposes
Publication Date
2015-04-01
Author(s)
Leonard, Rosemary
Mankad, Aditi
Alexander, Kim
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9015-1683
Email: kalexa26@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:kalexa26
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Place of publication
The Netherlands
DOI
10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.12.051
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/60678
Abstract

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) of stormwater has been deemed technically feasible in augmenting the total water supplies of the Adelaide region however, a major obstacle to implementation of new water schemes, particularly for potable reuse, can be gaining public acceptance and political support. The present survey of 1043 Adelaide residents addressed factors identified in the literature such as satisfaction with the quality of water, the importance of cost, perceived effectiveness of the recycled water distribution system, perceptions of community acceptance and trust in the water authorities to manage the system. The study compares three options for the use of stormwater through MAR: non-potable use through a third-pipe system, potable use whereby the water from the aquifer is pumped to a reservoir, and potable use whereby locally treated water from the aquifer is pumped into the mains system. Although respondents were positive about the reuse of stormwater via MAR for both potable and nonpotable options and the likelihood of protest was less than ten percent, respondents clearly preferred the non-potable to the potable options. The results suggested a need for public education on issues such as the cost of third-pipe systems, the risks associated with the potable option with localised treatment, and the actual rate of community acceptance, which was higher than they believed. However, there was also evidence of psychological bias, which is not easily moved by the provision of information alone.

Link
Citation
Journal of Cleaner Production, v.92, p. 248-256
ISSN
2666-1292
0959-6526
Start page
248
End page
256

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