SACRAMENTO, Calif. — March 14, 2016 — A new survey shows that California residents overwhelmingly support the use of treated wastewater, or recycled water, to supplement local water supplies.
A statewide survey released by water technology provider Xylem Inc. reveals that, after four years of drought, 42 percent are very willing to use recycled water in their everyday lives and an additional 41 percent are somewhat willing.
What’s more, 76 percent of Californians believe recycled water should be used as a long-term solution for managing water resources, regardless of whether a water shortage continues.
The survey defined recycled water as former wastewater that has been treated and purified so that it can be reused for drinking purposes.
Xylem found that 89 percent of California residents are more willing to use recycled water after reading an educational statement explaining the treatment processes that recycled wastewater undergoes to become safe and drinkable again. Another 88 percent agree that seeing a demonstration of the water purification process would make them more comfortable using and drinking recycled water.
These findings suggest that education is a key component in gaining stronger support for recycled water across the state, the company said.
“We conducted this survey in an effort to better understand public perception about recycled water, and are very encouraged by the findings,” commented Joseph Vesey, Xylem senior vice president who leads the company’s North American commercial business.
Vesey added: “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 state has the opportunity to champion a flexible framework that recognizes the unique needs of local communities as they work to establish water resource strategies that include sustainable solutions, such as recycled water.”
