Californians Overwhelmingly Support Reused Water
After learning about the advanced treatment processes used to make pure, safe water for drinking, 89 percent of people are more willing to use reused water, according to a statewide survey released by Xylem Inc. The survey found that 76 percent of respondents believe reused water should be a long-term solution for managing water resources, and not just during droughts.
Nearly half of those surveyed are very supportive to use reused water as an additional local water supply. Forty-two percent are very willing to use recycled water in their everyday lives. According to Xylem Senior Vice President Joseph Vesey, “We conducted this survey in an effort to better understand public perception about recycled water…With overwhelming support from the public, California is well-positioned to lead the U.S. in accelerating the availability and acceptance of recycled water.”
The survey also found that when reused water was referred to as “purified water,” 90 percent of respondents were more likely to be supportive. Findings additionally suggest that education is a key component in gaining even stronger support for reused water as 88 percent of respondents agree that seeing a demonstration of the water purification process would make them more comfortable using and drinking recycled water.
“Education and tours have been hallmarks for the acceptance of the Groundwater Replenishment System, the world’s largest water purification system for indirect potable reuse.” says OCWD General Manager Mike Markus. “When others failed in their attempts to create similar systems due to the ‘yuck’ factor, OCWD launched a robust public outreach effort that continues today. More than 4,000 people from all over the world tour the GWRS each year and we are educating more in their efforts to build GWRS-like systems to save their regions and provide one of life’s most valuable resources.”
To schedule a tour of the GWRS, request more information or schedule a speaker, please visit www.ocwd.com.