Environmental Significance of Reclaimed Water on Soil Properties; Public Acceptance of Reclaimed Water Use in Oklahoma.

Currently, Oklahoma is experiencing incessant drought conditions, along with temperature and rainfall variability. In addition to these environmental factors, expanding populations across the state are causing a strain on water resources. Given the increasingly growing need for water and the supply of fresh, potable water decreasing, it is imperative that municipalities invest in alternative sources of water. Oklahoma City owns four water supply lakes including Overholser, Hefner, Atoka, and Draper, as well as water rights in Lake Canton and McGee Creek Reservoirs. To minimize impacts, some cities across Oklahoma are relying on reclaimed water use, instead of searching for additional water supplies. Reclaimed water, also known as recycled wastewater, is wastewater that has been treated to levels suitable for reuse. Reclaimed water use reduces the need for purchasing water located in other parts of the state, and decreases pressure on water municipalities in times of severe drought. The concerns that arise with reclaimed water use stem from public acceptance and potential environmental risks. To date, no studies have evaluated the environmental implications of reclaimed water use on soil and water quality, as well as public acceptance, in Oklahoma.

Five golf courses in the Oklahoma City metro area have been selected for a case study focused on environmental profiling of the soil and water quality. Each golf course uses a different source of water, including groundwater, reclaimed water, municipal treated water, and surface water. Composite sample will be taken from the greens, fairways, and non-irrigated roughs. Water samples will be taken from ponds on site, as well as vegetation samples taken from grass clippings. These samples will be sent to the Soil Water and Forage Laboratory in Stillwater, OK for analysis.

To investigate public acceptance of reclaimed water use, a survey will be distributed via Internet to citizens across Oklahoma. Questions are randomized, focusing on topics of drought, environmental behavior, reclaimed water, water conservation, and water pricing. The questions are formatted in yes/no format, as well as five-level Likert items. Willingness to pay and accept methods are incorporated. The contingent valuation method will be implemented to gauge the public support.