ABSTRACT Graphical abstract shows wastewater reuse in Haiti, where water scarcity increases awareness and risk perception, but acceptance remains limited, favoring non-potable over potable applications among respondents overall in Delmas. Water scarcity and sanitation challenges in Haiti can be addressed through treated wastewater reuse within a circular economy framework, thereby reducing freshwater demand and improving public health. However, the implementation of reuse initiatives depends largely on public acceptance. This study provides an empirical assessment of attitudes toward treated wastewater reuse in Delmas 32. A structured questionnaire (n = 42) was administered to evaluate water access, knowledge of wastewater, perceived risks, and willingness to reuse treated wastewater for potable and nonpotable purposes. Results showed that 93% of respondents experience water scarcity, reflecting severe deficiencies in urban water supply systems. Although 66.7% reported familiarity with wastewater, only 47.6% expressed willingness to use treated wastewater, indicating a clear gap between awareness and acceptance. Acceptance was considerably higher for nonpotable uses, including bathing (64.3%), laundering (57.1%), toilet flushing (90%), and irrigation of ornamental plants (78.6%), whereas willingness to use treated wastewater for drinking (9.5%) and cooking (14.3%) was very limited. Health concerns, perceived toxicity, unpleasant odors, and emotional aversion emerged as primary barriers. These findings indicate that technical feasibility alone is insufficient in fragile institutional contexts; risk communication and trust-building are crucial for achieving socially acceptable wastewater reuse in Haiti.
François et al. (2026) studied this question.