Date of Graduation

Fall 12-12-2014

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Maggie Winslow

Abstract

Due to the water shortages, population growth, and competing demands for water in California, the possibility of incorporating direct potable reuse technology in the state’s water supply portfolio is being considered by various water resource providers. This paper focuses on public acceptance challenges that may be encountered. By evaluating best practices employed by six different potable water reuse case studies, recommendations for future direct potable reuse projects are developed. It is recommended that future project proponents plan early and conduct public opinion surveys regarding this type of technology, develop and implement public outreach and education plans that include best practices defined in the case study analysis, and develop outreach and education materials that meet the interests of various audiences. Specific practices that should be considered include: educating the public about where existing supply sources come from when describing the need for DPR technology, garnering support from health professionals and local politicians, targeting outreach efforts to groups of people that may be wary of this type of technology, and offering public tours of advanced water purification facilities.

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