The BOOST-IN project has published its first policy brief focusing on social perception barriers to circular water solutions. By looking into the notion of the “Yuck Effect”, this brief offers initial steps to turn hesitation against the usage of treated wastewater into support for circular water solutions.
Water resources quality and quantity have become a central problem in many European regions and beyond. With water stress affecting 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of the population, according to the European Environment Agency, developing solutions promoting water-smart management, enabling water reuse and recovery, can be key to tackling water scarcity.
The BOOST-IN project aims to enhance water resilience in Europe by contributing to the implementation and development of several EU directives and strategies, such as the Water Resilience Strategy and the EU water acquis. The first policy brief delves into how the integration of behavioural insights, participatory foresight, and region-specific co-creation can promote new models for just and inclusive circular water transitions. One key preliminary takeaway from this project is that EU policy instruments in the field of water and technical innovation alone are insufficient to achieve water resilience.
Without societal participation in policymaking and trust building between citizens and policy or technical solutions, the “yuck” effect – the common public aversion to reusing treated wastewater – can hinder the achievement of a water-smart society and of promoting water resources reuse.
Boosted water circular economy requires co-creation, as showcased by the Malaga workshop, as well as collaboration between citizens and local stakeholders. These are the lessons from the first workshop of BOOST-IN. Learn more here.
