A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Potable Water Reuse Implementation Pathways

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Public Policy

Background:

• The United States faces significant water scarcity, necessitating innovative solutions like potable water reuse.
• Implementing potable water reuse projects is crucial for enhancing water supply resilience and ensuring access to safe drinking water.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze diverse implementation pathways for potable water reuse projects.
• To determine the key causal conditions and contextual factors contributing to the successful implementation of potable water reuse.

Main Methods:

• A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was employed.
• Data were collected from 16 potable reuse projects through interviews, documentation review, and field observations.

Main Results:

• Four distinct generalized implementation pathways (success pathways) for potable water reuse were identified.
• All pathways shared core conditions: interagency agreements, operator training, leadership continuity, and positive media coverage.
• Specific pathways differed in infrastructure integration, funding sources (public vs. private), and public acceptance strategies (e.g., community endorsement, demonstration centers, early public education).

Conclusions:

• Multiple context-specific strategies can lead to successful potable water reuse implementation.
• Actionable guidance, such as early operator onboarding, can enhance project success.
• These findings offer valuable insights for increasing high-quality drinking water supplies through reuse.