Community preferences for recycled water in Sydney

A sample of over 800 Sydney households was surveyed using the internet about their preferences for increased waste water recycling in the context of urban expansion in Western Sydney. The choice modelling approach was used to estimate household willingness to pay for increased volumes of recycled water supply, and for alternative end uses of the recycled water, including industrial, open space irrigation, domestic and environmental flows. The results demonstrate positive community preferences for increasing recycled water supply, and an aversion to household use amongst households not already using recycled water. Respondents’ first preference was for recycled water to replace potable water in industrial uses.