MSc Thesis Title: Water reuse and social acceptance

Tuesday 5 March 2019, at:13:00, Venue: Hall K2.A3

Examination Committee

• Associate Professor Petros Gikas (advisor)
• Associate Professor Efpraxia (Aithra) Maria
• Professor Konstantinos Komnitsas

Abstract:

The lack of water is one of the biggest problems of the Earth in recent years. Securing of existing water reserves, unfortunately, in recent years is not a solution of the problem as stocks are shorter because of the over-consumption of water combined with climate change. The solution is finding new stocks. Re-use of treated wastewater is a practice that would solve the problem.

In this search presents the problems and benefits of re-use of recovered water. It is investigated the parameters that affect public acceptance in water reuse and the way which it is accepted by the public to reuse water. A major factor in achieving any water reuse program is to accept the local community that will use it. There are many examples of reuse applications mentioned in this paper. Most cases of community mistreatment to use recovered water meet in cases involving direct or indirect oral applications. And where it expects the price to be significantly lower than water supply. Also, an important role in accepting water reuse by the public also plays the role of educating society as well as how well the public is well informed. Other parameters that affect public acceptance are the fear of disease from pathogenic microorganisms, a sense of danger and disaffection.

Various cases of reactions to reuse programs are being considered. Finally, it is presented how important is the role of the state, authorities and education in adopting practices of re-use of recovered water.

General, the public accepts re-use water with the right idea of protecting the environment. However, their acceptance is reduced when it comes to household or drinking.

A common law would be crucial as many water re-use projects are planned in the future. The state should prepare residents to accept the practice of re-use as something natural without causing stress or pressure on ordinary citizens.