How can participation and communication support decisions towards wastewater reuse projects? A methodological proposal

Abstract : Wastewater reuse (WWR) is an alternative resource that has been developed since the 1970s in the driest parts of our planet. In France, every second year, half of French departments set up restrictions on water use due to scarcity. Irrigation is limited or even prohibited for weeks. WWR could be justified in these territories. However, French regulations have long imposed requirements that have limited this practice. In light of climate change, French Water Agencies multiply pilot experiments. Among them, the Read'Apt project focuses specifically on socioeconomic issues linked to WWR projects, sometimes referred to as "social acceptability". While some studies question the effects of communication and participation, they are yet often promoted as a solution to overcome these social barriers. This presentation describes a methodological framework developed through action research to facilitate the decision making process of a WWR project. The framework is based on a Social Site Characterisation and a participatory communication strategy.