Public perceptions of reusing treated wastewater for urban and industrial applications: challenges and opportunities

The growing water scarcity and quality deterioration promote the development of new water resources. Development of water treatment technologies has made water recycling and wastewater reuse a feasible solution to current limitations. However, water recycling plan and reuse has been halted repeatedly by the lack of public acceptance. This study focused on understanding public concerns and perceptions regarding treated wastewater reuse. The study also investigated how public perceptions might affect the current and future utilization of the resources in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The public’s perceptions and opinions were achieved by conducting a questionnaire survey from 115 randomly selected residents with different backgrounds. The results indicated that the residents were positive to support any possible option that supported human health and the environment. The majority of the statistical society was optimistic about the reuse of the treated wastewater for irrigation purposes (except for non-edible crops), urban practices, recharge of groundwater, and industrial activities. Using as drinking water was the least preferred option according to the survey. The outcome of this survey study can be used to address the public concerns regarding wastewater-reuse practices. Additionally, this study hopes to support the effective management plans in the future.