Few Remarks for an Informed Debate on the Acceptance of Water Reuse: Attitudes, Practices, and Behaviors

Climate change and ecological transition ask for radical innovation in many societal domains, from energy production and consumption to mobility and from agriculture and food to water management. These innovations are now widely recognized as socio-technical which means they rely on changes in technologies that affect and are affected by the societal dynamics they are embedded in. As many other innovations aimed at increasing the sustainability of the current socio-economic model and lifestyle, the adoption of water reuse programs and technologies is hindered by resistance and opposition both in the public opinion and among diverse societal actors and stakeholders that hamper the acceptance among common citizens. Therefore, there are many aspects to consider when developing policies and strategies to promote reuse systems, especially those that contribute to the provision of drinkable water. In this framework, the aim of this chapter is twofold: (1) to focus on the key role that socio-psychological factors might play in affecting the societal acceptance of water reuse; (2) to highlight the great potential of addressing this issue from a multidisciplinary perspective. After a short but comprehensive overview of the main societal factors affecting individual and collective attitudes toward the use of recycled water, the paper adopts the Theory of Planned Behavior, as a conceptual and methodological framework to explore how these factors are able to either facilitate or hinder the acceptance of water reuse initiatives. By examining the psychological, social, and environmental dimensions inherent in these factors, the chapter provides first of all a deep understanding of why citizens exhibit diverse responses to water reuse initiatives. Secondly, upon this understanding, the chapter proceeds with the identification of strategies and tools to properly consider and manage these factors, thereby promoting greater public acceptance of water reuse initiatives. By integrating theoretical insights with practical solutions, the chapter contributes to the advancement of sustainable water management practices in contemporary society.