Public participation and communication Introduction The reuse of treated water can raise public concerns. They may be concerned over risks of direct exposure or indirect exposure to that water (whether this is a risk or not). Proper planning and decision making on the use of appropriate treatment to the required standards will help address concerns. However, there may still be a perception by the public of risks to health. Therefore, it is important to engage with the public in the planning and introduction of systems for water reuse. It is also important to note that the general public and other stakeholders will have legitimate views on the priorities for water reuse and other practical decisions. It is, therefore, important that these are captured in the planning and decision making processes described in Chapter 6. It is best practice to have as wide as possible engagement with the public, as well as with the relevant stakeholders (water industry, farmers, etc.). The precise techniques and processes to use for communication will vary according to circumstances and local traditions. Not least the size of the public to be engaged with will affect the appropriate engagement processes. It is recommended to follow practices of active engagement as promoted by the WFD and explored by CIS Guidance on this issue as well as other relevant sources. Active engagement is a very important as it brings the public into the decision making process rather than them feeling they are the recipients of information for which they are simply being asked an opinion. Active engagement raises the public’s understanding of an issue and is particularly helpful at overcoming misperceptions of an issue. The CIS Guidance No 9 emphasised that public participation is NOT necessarily about: “Everybody joining: be selective with actors, do a stakeholder analysis; Everybody deciding: make clear what everybody's responsibilities are; Losing control: participation cannot work if the outcome is completely predetermined, yet organise it well; Achieving consensus at all expense: make clear that it will be impossible to satisfy all wishes hundred percent. Participation will help to explain decisions as they occur and promote ownership of the outcome arrived at.” Therefore, it is important to be clear (for both the public and for authorities) of the expectations and limitations of public participation. However, good public communication and participation can lead to: Increasing awareness of the issues, benefits, risks, etc. Obtaining knowledge from the public for decision makers to improve decisions for reuse schemes. Public acceptance, commitment and support to the decisions. Creation of communication channels for future communication needs.
Public participation and communication Introduction The reuse of treated water can raise public concerns. They may be concerned over risks of direct exposure or indirect exposure to that water (whether this is a risk or not). Proper planning and decision making on the use of appropriate treatment to the required standards will help address concerns. However, there may still be a perception by the public of risks to health. Therefore, it is important to engage with the public in the planning and introduction of systems for water reuse. It is also important to note that the general public and other stakeholders will have legitimate views on the priorities for water reuse and other practical decisions. It is, therefore, important that these are captured in the planning and decision making processes described in Chapter 6. It is best practice to have as wide as possible engagement with the public, as well as with the relevant stakeholders (water industry, farmers, etc.). The precise techniques and processes to use for communication will vary according to circumstances and local traditions. Not least the size of the public to be engaged with will affect the appropriate engagement processes. It is recommended to follow practices of active engagement as promoted by the WFD and explored by CIS Guidance on this issue as well as other relevant sources. Active engagement is a very important as it brings the public into the decision making process rather than them feeling they are the recipients of information for which they are simply being asked an opinion. Active engagement raises the public’s understanding of an issue and is particularly helpful at overcoming misperceptions of an issue. The CIS Guidance No 9 emphasised that public participation is NOT necessarily about: “Everybody joining: be selective with actors, do a stakeholder analysis; Everybody deciding: make clear what everybody's responsibilities are; Losing control: participation cannot work if the outcome is completely predetermined, yet organise it well; Achieving consensus at all expense: make clear that it will be impossible to satisfy all wishes hundred percent. Participation will help to explain decisions as they occur and promote ownership of the outcome arrived at.” Therefore, it is important to be clear (for both the public and for authorities) of the expectations and limitations of public participation. However, good public communication and participation can lead to: Increasing awareness of the issues, benefits, risks, etc. Obtaining knowledge from the public for decision makers to improve decisions for reuse schemes. Public acceptance, commitment and support to the decisions. Creation of communication channels for future communication needs.
Guidance%20on%20Water%20Reuse%20-%20draft%203.docx