Public responses to water reuse - Understanding the evidence

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Social Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Extensive research has explored public responses to water reuse.
• A prior review (Hartley, 2006) covered studies up to the early 2000s.
• This paper focuses on post-millennium research and evolving perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize recent evidence on public responses to water reuse.
• To identify novel insights and shifts in the field since the early 2000s.
• To structure the analysis around four key strands of thinking in public response research.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of post-millennium research on public responses to water reuse.
• Structuring the review around four thematic areas: influencing factors, socio-psychological models, trust/risk/affect, and constructivist/systems theories.
• Highlighting advancements in understanding the 'yuck factor' and its implications.

Main Results:

• Public responses are influenced by a wide range of factors, including trust, risk perceptions, and affective reactions.
• The 'yuck factor' and pre-cognitive emotional responses play a significant role.
• Responses are situated within broader processes of technological legitimation and social representations.

Conclusions:

• Understanding affective reactions and societal influences is crucial for public acceptance of water reuse.
• Emerging insights offer new approaches for public engagement strategies.
• Technological legitimation frameworks provide valuable perspectives on public perception of water reuse.