Activity 3.3.2 What do they know about wastewater?

 part A

Name: interviewee 1

Age: 60

Gender: male

Occupation: entrepreneur

Geographic location: south central Texas hill country region 

Name: interviewee 2

Age: 20

Gender: Female

Occupation: medical secretary

Geographic location: San Antonio, Texas

Name: interviewee 3

Age: 57

Gender: Female 

Occupation: Housewife 

Geographic location: San Antonio, Texas

part B

1.What do you know about how wastewater is treated in your community?

2. Do you think recycled water is used in your community, if so, how?

3. what are your thoughts on using recycled water for things like irrigation, or even for drinking?

4. how do you think wastewater treatment impacts the environment and the community?

5. how do you think wastewater treatment impacts the environment and the community?

part C

Common Themes:

One consistent theme among all interviewees was the acknowledgment of the importance of water conservation and the necessity of wastewater treatment. Interviewee 1, despite not knowing much about the specifics of wastewater treatment, stressed the need for community education on the subject: “I think we should all be more educated about it. Community programs should be in place, potentially even making us take a test on the matter.” This aligns with the perspectives of Interviewee 2 and Interviewee 3, both of whom supported the concept of water recycling, especially for non-potable uses. Interviewee 2 mentioned, “I wouldn’t mind using recycled water as long as the right measures are taken to make sure the water is clean and safe.” This reflects an understanding that while water recycling is a good idea, the safety measures for such processes are paramount.

all interviewees agreed that wastewater treatment could have positive environmental impacts, particularly in conserving water resources. Interviewee 3 stated, “It is positive because we are not wasting water on certain uses,” which reflects a shared understanding of the need to reduce water wastage. There was a general recognition that wastewater treatment could help mitigate water shortages and protect the environment, especially in places like Texas, which has been impacted by droughts in recent years.

Differences in Understanding:

Despite the shared support for wastewater treatment and recycling, there were noticeable differences in the level of awareness and understanding of the processes. Interviewee 1, a 60-year-old entrepreneur, admitted to not paying much attention to water treatment issues, primarily because of the demands of his personal life. He shared, “I never felt like I could actually make a difference. Frankly, I took it all for granted. Which I think is the answer for most people.” This perspective reflects a lack of deep engagement with the issue, likely due to a busy lifestyle and possibly a sense of disconnection from the community’s water challenges. This lack of awareness was not shared by the younger interviewees, who seemed more informed.

Interviewee 2, a 20-year-old medical secretary from San Antonio, had a more contemporary understanding of wastewater treatment, noting that water is recycled by SAWS and used in landscaping. She was also more open to the idea of drinking recycled water, provided the water undergoes proper treatment. Her response, “I wouldn’t mind using recycled water as long as the right measures are taken,” reflects a relatively modern, pragmatic viewpoint, where technology and safety protocols are trusted to make recycled water a viable option.

In contrast, Interviewee 3, a 57-year-old housewife with personal experience using greywater, expressed a more cautious stance. She viewed water recycling for irrigation as acceptable but questioned its safety for drinking. Her comment, “I would rather use recycled water for things like plants and trees,” suggests a more conservative approach to the use of recycled water, possibly due to concerns about health and contamination risks. She also proposed that instead of using recycled water for drinking, it could be utilized for alternative purposes, like generating energy reducing health and environmental risks.

Overall Impression of Knowledge:

Overall, the knowledge of wastewater treatment varied among the interviewees. The younger individuals (Interviewee 2 and Interviewee 3) demonstrated a clearer understanding of water recycling processes, especially regarding using recycled water for landscaping and other non-consumptive purposes. Interviewee 1, however, seemed less engaged with the subject, revealing a gap in public knowledge, especially among older individuals or those who do not prioritize environmental issues in their daily lives. While Interviewee 1 understood the importance of water conservation, he lacked detailed knowledge of the processes involved in wastewater treatment, as evidenced by his admission: “I don’t know a lot, but I do know it is probably the number one issue at hand across the country…”

Interviewee 3 seemed most concerned with the potential risks associated with wastewater treatment, highlighting the need for a careful balance between conservation and public health safety. Her idea that recycled water could be used for energy generation was a unique and creative alternative, suggesting that she had a deeper understanding of water treatment broader implications.

Comparison to Expectations:

My expectations were somewhat aligned with the interview findings. I anticipated that younger individuals would be more familiar with modern water treatment and recycling practices, and that was indeed the case with Interviewee 2. However, I was surprised by Interviewee 3’s suggestion of using recycled water for energy production, which was a fresh perspective I had not considered. As for Interviewee 1, I expected a more active engagement with the topic, especially given the ongoing water issues in Texas, but his response demonstrated how easy it is for individuals to become disconnected from environmental concerns when they are preoccupied with personal responsibilities.

 These interviews revealed that while there is a general awareness of the need for wastewater treatment, the depth of understanding varies significantly based on age, occupation, and personal experiences. There is a shared belief that recycling water is important, but concerns over safety and the impact of water treatment on health and the environment remain prevalent.



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