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PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND PERCEPTION OF ON-SITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS AND MANAGEMENT
Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org
Citation: Paper number 701P0104, . (doi: 10.13031/2013.15831)Authors: S. McNulty and D. L. Lindbo
Keywords: Management, Survey, Public Perception, Cost
Many experts in the field agree that some form of management is required to assure the longterm viability and overall performance of on-site wastewater treatment systems. Presently, there are several models from which to choose from ranging from private-individual management programs to public management entities such as the one established by the Perquimans- Pasquotank-Camden-Chowan (PPCC) Health District in northeastern North Carolina. Although the need for management exists, interviews with selected homeowners in a previous study within the PPCC Health District suggest at best, a dislike for mandatory management to at worst , a distrust of the management entity. In order to better quantify public perception a phone survey of 527 on-site wastewater system owners was conducted. The survey included those who are currently affected by the PPCC management entity as well as those in adjacent counties who are not affected by any form of management. The survey asked specific questions to determine the respondents level of knowledge about on-site wastewater systems and their maintenance. Questions included details about the perceived costs and benefits of municipal sewer versus onsite wastewater systems and asked the participant to indicate how much he or she would be willing to spend on an annual basis for each of these services. Additional questions were used to evaluate the participants level of environmental awareness.
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