Comparison of Public Perception in Desert and Rainy Regions of Chile Regarding the Reuse of Treated Sewage Water
by
Daniela Segura 1, Valentina Carrillo 1,2, Francisco Remonsellez 2, Marcelo Araya 1 and Gladys Vidal 1,*
Daniela Segura 1, Valentina Carrillo 1,2, Francisco Remonsellez 2, Marcelo Araya 1 and Gladys Vidal 1,*
1
Engineering and Biotechnology Environmental Group, Environmental Science Faculty & Center EULA–Chile, University of Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción 4070386, Chile
2
Chemical Engineering Department, Engineering and Geological Science Faculty, Católica del Norte University, P.O. Box 1280, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Water 2018, 10(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/w10030334
Received: 2 February 2018 / Revised: 11 March 2018 / Accepted: 12 March 2018 / Published: 17 March 2018
The objective of this study was to compare the public perception in desert and rainy regions of Chile regarding the reuse of treated sewage water. The methodology of this study consisted of applying a survey to the communities of San Pedro de Atacama (desert region) and Hualqui (rainy region) to identify attitudes about the reuse of sewage water. The survey was applied directly to men and women, 18 to 90 years old, who were living in the studied communities. The results indicate that inhabitants of San Pedro de Atacama (desert region) were aware of the state of their water resources, with 86% being aware that there are water shortages during some part of the year. In contrast, only 55% of residents in Hualqui (rainy region) were aware of water shortages. With respect of the reuse of treated sewage water, 47% of respondents in San Pedro de Atacama understood the concept, as compared to 27% in Hualqui. There was more acceptance of using treated sewage water for non-potable purposes than as drinking water.
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Keywords:
public perception; water scarcity; reuse; sewage water; desert region; rainy region; Chile
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MDPI and ACS Style
Segura, D.; Carrillo, V.; Remonsellez, F.; Araya, M.; Vidal, G. Comparison of Public Perception in Desert and Rainy Regions of Chile Regarding the Reuse of Treated Sewage Water. Water 2018, 10, 334.
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