AWWA REUSE52127

The University Area Joint Authority (UAJA), Centre County, Pennsylvania, is in the process of implementing a project that involves indirect potable reuse. UAJA feels that, in addition to the technical aspects, an important task is the education of the public on difficult subjects such as the water budget, advanced water treatment, reuse applications, and the relationship between the water reuse project and growth. UAJA has used newspaper inserts, press conferences, pamphlets, and guided tours to educate the public and seek comments on the project during the planning phase, preventing expensive changes during design or construction. An interactive web site allows visitors to review the project to-date and make comments on each phase of the work. Additionally, UAJA sponsors a program with the local school district that allows virtually every fifth grader in the community to tour and experience the Spring Creek Pollution Control Facility firsthand. This paper will detail the specific techniques used by UAJA and the success of each program in educating the public on indirect potable reuse. Includes figure.