Talking about Water Recycling
Content
· Introduction
· Education programs
· Community consultation
· Public acceptance of water recycling
· Water recycling terminology
Introduction
Community understanding of water and environmental issues is increasing. In some cases water recycling projects have been controversial but also there have been many successful projects with strong public support. Considerable experience has been gained about the issues affecting community acceptance of water recycling and the conduct of community consultation and education programs.
Education Programs
Community concern about water and environmental issues is increasing and the community is becoming increasingly well informed about water issues.
Many water authorities now undertake community education programs to increase understanding of local water issues. Programs commonly include information on local water sources and how to save water and often include visits to local water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities.
Science education programs in schools increasingly include lessons on the water cycle and water issues. In some countries students learn about water issues through involvement in “Streamwatch” programs in which they monitor the health of local streams.
Community Consultation
The community generally wish to be informed, and have a say, about decisions which affect them. The sponsors of water recycling projects need to engage with the community and stakeholders early in the life of a project to explain the choices available and obtain feedback on community preferences, concerns and issues.
Community preferences, concerns and issues need to be addressed in the decision-making process. Community consultation may include direct public involvement in decision-making, or it may inform the normal local political decision-making process.
Public Acceptance of Water Recycling
Public acceptance of water recycling is growing as the public becomes better informed about water recycling issues. Also, the advances in recycled water technology, and the growing list of successful water recycling projects around the world, provide increased assurance that water recycling is safe and environmentally beneficial.
An important component of public acceptance is trust. Projects are more likely to gain acceptance if there is open consultation with the community and there is trust in the local water authority and the local decision-making process.
Water Recycling Terminology
Public understanding of water recycling issues is aided by the use of plain language to describe water recycling activities. The attached Water Recycling Glossary defines some of the terms commonly used to describe water recycling systems.
Public understanding of water recycling is helped by the use of plain language to describe recycled water quality. Beneficial use of recycled water requires recycled water which is fit-for-purpose. The Simpson Star Rating System describes recycled water treatment and quality in simple terms which are easy to understand. The Star Rating System makes it easier to match recycled water quality and beneficial use requirements.
