Public attitude toward expanding the reuse of treated wastewater in the United Arab Emirates

Rasha M. Abdelrahman (), Sameh E. Khamis () and Zeinelabidin E. Rizk ()
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Rasha M. Abdelrahman: National Center for Examinations and Educational Evaluation
Sameh E. Khamis: University of Science and Technology of Fujairah
Zeinelabidin E. Rizk: University of Science and Technology of Fujairah

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2020, vol. 22, issue 8, No 34, 7887-7908

Abstract: Abstract In 2015, the treated wastewater production was 711 million cubic meters (mm3) per year, in which 511 mm3 was used, while the remaining 200 mm3 was disposed in the sea or wasted in desert areas. By 2030, the projected volume of produced wastewater is about 1400 mm3, each drop of which has to be utilized. This study examined the public attitude toward expansion of treated wastewater reuse in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A multiple-choice questionnaire which covered demographic information, knowledge related to water resources and attitude was prepared and posted online. The answers of 1304 UAE residents (male = 444 and female = 860) were collected, presented and analyzed with the use of T test, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square. Results show that 30% of respondents are aware of the water shortage problem, while the remaining 70% are unaware (30%) or do not know (40%). However, the majority (80%) are taking measures to conserve water and are willing to pay extra fees for having centralized wastewater treatment systems installed where they live. There is a positive attitude toward the use of treated wastewater for some agricultural and industrial purposes. The respondents support the use of treated wastewater for preserving the environment and easing pressure on expensive desalinated water and depleting groundwater. Results also revealed statistical significance toward wastewater reuse based on gender, age, level of education and income. Respondents ranked incentives for reuse of treated wastewater and critics against reuse.

Keywords: Attitude; Public awareness; Public trust; Water shortage; Treated wastewater reuse; United Arab Emirates (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-019-00551-w

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