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“Who Cares?”: The Acceptance of Decentralized Wastewater Systems in Regions without Water Problems

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  • Cristina Gómez-Román

    (CRETUS Institute and Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Luisa Lima

    (CIS-IUL/ISCTE, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Sergio Vila-Tojo

    (CRETUS Institute and Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Andrea Correa-Chica

    (Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Juan Lema

    (CRETUS Institute and Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • José-Manuel Sabucedo

    (CRETUS Institute and Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Abstract

There is a growing interest in decentralized wastewater treatment systems, especially in regions with water scarcity problems or water management issues. This study aims to determine whether the perceived advantages and disadvantages (leading to acceptance) of decentralized wastewater plants in such regions are the same in regions where the population is not aware of these water issues. Firstly, this study systematically reviews previous findings on public perceptions of the acceptance of decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Then, the study details the results of a focus group study to determine whether the elements identified in the literature are also relevant in a region where people are unaware of water problems. The results show that a lack of awareness of water issues seems to be a critical factor influencing acceptance. Reframing the usefulness of these systems by focusing on other aspects, such as environmental sustainability, is key.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Gómez-Román & Luisa Lima & Sergio Vila-Tojo & Andrea Correa-Chica & Juan Lema & José-Manuel Sabucedo, 2020. "“Who Cares?”: The Acceptance of Decentralized Wastewater Systems in Regions without Water Problems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:9060-:d:456887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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