Consumers’ Perception of Wastewater Usage in Agriculture: Evidence from Greece

Abstract

The need for wastewater usage is increasing, especially in coastal regions with limited freshwater supply. In Greece, the only applications of water reuse projects concern irrigation purposes in the agricultural sector. One of the key issues concerning the adaptation of such projects and further expansion of such initiatives is consumer perceptions. To that end, the aim of this chapter is to explore consumer awareness about the reuse of wastewater for agricultural purposes in order to accept such policies. The study reveals a positive attitude of the public towards recycled water reuse in agriculture. Education is positively correlated with higher awareness regarding agricultural and landscape irrigation. However, the study reveals several obstacles for a wider acceptance of similar practices, especially for older people.