PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN REUSE OF TREATED WASTEWATER

Abstract: Recycled waste water; domestic, industrial waste water treated by physical, chemical, biological methods for beneficial purposes. Recycled wastewater is an option for water shortage. Research and studies are being carried out about recycled water in Turkey and many places in the World. At the same time, success of reuse practices depends on the public acceptance. Public participation starts with a clear understanding of reuse. Some projects has failed because there is no public support even they are good enough for economically, scientifically and technically. Our paper goal is to assess the public participation and public impact of the recycled wastewater. Public has some concerns about using recycled wastewater. These worries are about the political situation, geographical situation, educational status, ethnicity, gender and age difference, misuse of terminology, disgust factor. For example, common terms like '' tap to the toilet '' can negatively affect people. The terms should be used easy to understand for public. It is recommended to use more understandable terms to accept recycled wastewater. Another negativity is the "yuck factor". Thoughts about drinking recycled waste water making people's uncomfortable. The recycled water is actually gives the same taste as drinking water, although it makes people's uncomfortable. It is possible to earn the trust of the public by involving them in to this process. In many communities it has been widely acknowledged despite the fact that recycled wastewater has been countered. Recycled wastewater is available in various fields in countries such as America, Australia, Singapore, Spain, Israel, Japan. Some areas recycling practices and public participation activities are carried out in Turkey. In this paper, outstanding studies and survey results has been researched and investigated.