COMMUNITY
Water should flow beautifully and endlessly, as it is the connection between all that lives
The perceptions of communities and other stakeholders on water reuse are of critical importance. Yet there is still much to learn on how people in different cultural contexts make their decisions regarding the reuse of treated wastewater. Meet the people that help us understand the social aspects of water reuse.
MEENAKSHI
Age: 32
Occupation: Housewife
Location: Jal Vihar, New Delhi
“Yes wastewater can be treated and used for watering plants, cleaning or flushing the toilet, washing clothes, for the cooler, washing vehicles. It can be used for drinking but will not be accepted openly by public. Through education, people may be more open to using treated wastewater for drinking.”
ASHA RANI
Age: 55
Occupation: Housewife
Location: Jal Vihar, New Delhi
“Earlier water was much cleaner and there was no need for an RO or a filter. I would not use treated wastewater for drinking but can do so for other purposes such as watering plants. Our traditional practices were more environmentally friendly. Now with new machines and chemicals even rivers have become dirty. Politicians and the government are not doing anything to change this.”
Sachin
Age: 35
Occupation: –
Location: Jal Vihar, New Delhi
“Yes I will use treated wastewater if it goes through proper filtration. I will also pay to use treated wastewater but not as much as I pay for the current water. I think we could use it for plants; industries can use it to power plants, for cleaning. But I do have health concerns with using treated wastewater and I am not sure how the government will deliver treated wastewater.”
Neelam
Age: 42
Occupation: Shopkeeper
Location: Meherchand Market, New Delhi
“Yes we can definitely use treated wastewater for cleaning, but not for food or drinking purposes. I am well informed about electricity and water saving measures because of my children. He learns about these methods at his school and he tells me. I think schools can play an important role in raising awareness about these issues, especially for future generations.”
Poonam
Age: 45
Occupation: Housewife
Location: Meherchand Market, New Delhi
“Earlier water was much cleaner and there was no need for an RO or a filter. I would not use treated wastewater for drinking but can do so for other purposes such as watering plants. Our traditional practices were more environmentally friendly. Now with new machines and chemicals even rivers have become dirty. Politicians and the government are not doing anything to change this.”
