This is particularly true in areas where use of recycled water has been an ongoing practice. The higher the level of familiarity with the subject, the more favorable the response. Without public acceptance, it would be difficult for any local government or special district to site, finance, construct, and operate a water recycling project.
People tend to favor water recycling projects if they are informed in advance.
Thus, a public education and outreach program should be implemented early in the planning process. An effective strategy is to establish an early customer base, i.e., users of the recycled water, to help generate project understanding and support. To build strong support, it helps to go beyond the public involvement requirements of the state and federal environmental review process. By being proactive and by getting a head start on public involvement, it will be possible to identify and address users' concerns, to design a project which best meets the community's needs, and to develop community advocates. A new water recycling project is typically intended to extend the community's water supply.