Public attitude toward expanding the reuse of treated wastewater in the United Arab Emirates
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Public attitude toward expanding the reuse of treated wastewater in the United Arab Emirates Rasha M. Abdelrahman1,2 · Sameh E. Khamis3 · Zeinelabidin E. Rizk3 Received: 2 November 2018 / Accepted: 5 December 2019 © Springer Nature B.V. 2019
Abstract In 2015, the treated wastewater production was 711 million cubic meters (mm3) per year, in which 511 mm3 was used, while the remaining 200 mm3 was disposed in the sea or wasted in desert areas. By 2030, the projected volume of produced wastewater is about 1400 mm3, each drop of which has to be utilized. This study examined the public attitude toward expansion of treated wastewater reuse in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A multiplechoice questionnaire which covered demographic information, knowledge related to water resources and attitude was prepared and posted online. The answers of 1304 UAE residents (male = 444 and female = 860) were collected, presented and analyzed with the use of T test, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square. Results show that 30% of respondents are aware of the water shortage problem, while the remaining 70% are unaware (30%) or do not know (40%). However, the majority (80%) are taking measures to conserve water and are willing to pay extra fees for having centralized wastewater treatment systems installed where they live. There is a positive attitude toward the use of treated wastewater for some agricultural and industrial purposes. The respondents support the use of treated wastewater for preserving the environment and easing pressure on expensive desalinated water and depleting groundwater. Results also revealed statistical significance toward wastewater reuse based on gender, age, level of education and income. Respondents ranked incentives for reuse of treated wastewater and critics against reuse. Keywords Attitude · Public awareness · Public trust · Water shortage · Treated wastewater reuse · United Arab Emirates
* Rasha M. Abdelrahman [email protected] Sameh E. Khamis [email protected] Zeinelabidin E. Rizk [email protected] 1
National Center for Examinations and Educational Evaluation, Cairo, Egypt
2
College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
3
College of Humanities and Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, P.O. Box 2202, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
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1 Introduction The UAE is an arid country with low rainfall ( one Year to 3 years > 3 to 6 years > 6 to 9 years > 9 years Which emirate you are living in? Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Ras Al Khaimah Fujairah What is your age? ………………………………………………. What is the last degree you have earned? Primary Intermediate Secondary Undergraduate Other (mention) ......................... Yes No Are there any children living with you at home? If your answer to question (9) is ” yes”, how many children are there ? From 1 to 3 From 4 to 6 From 7 to 9 >9 Occupation Student Police Armed Forces Teacher Professor Doctor Engineer Government employee Director Pri
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