Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2008OR100B

Water Reuse in Corvallis, Oregon:

Institute: Oregon
Year Established: 2008 Start Date: 2008-03-01 End Date: 2009-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $12,508 Total Non-Federal Funds: $26,148

Principal Investigators: Brent Steel

Abstract: The State of Oregon supports water reuse through Executive Order 05-04 and Senate Bill 820. However, fear of public outcry over the use of recycled water within state agencies and other wastewater organizations has hobbled state agencies ability to remove state-level barriers to water reuse. The City of Corvallis is in the beginning stages of setting up a water reuse program, and serves as an excellent case study for water reuse throughout the state. Objectives: This research seeks to gauge public knowledge and opinion regarding water reuse, develop a list of end uses preferred by the public, and develop a plan for engaging the public in discussion of water reuse. Methods: Using the citys modified Dillman method, randomly selected members of the public will be surveyed about their knowledge and attitudes about water reuse. With this information, we will develop a list of end uses acceptable to the public and critical subjects that city staff must address when communicating with the public. With city goals and public survey responses in mind, a public involvement plan will be developed using existing theory and guidelines. This research is expected to be valuable across Oregon as an indication of the level of support that state and local agencies can expect when developing and modifying water reuse regulations, and will provide a model public involvement plan that can be used throughout the state.