Why Do Some Water Utilities Recycle More than Others? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis in New South Wales, Australia.

摘要: Although the recycling of municipal wastewater can play an important role in water supply security and ecosystem protection, percentage recycled is generally low strikingly variable. Previous research has employed detailed case studies to examine factors that contribute success but usually lacks a comparative perspective across cases. In this study, 25 utilities New South Wales, Australia, were compared using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). This method applies binary logic set theory identify minimal combinations conditions are necessary and/or sufficient for outcome occur within cases analyzed. The influence six (rainfall, population density, coastal or inland location, proximity users; cost recovery revenue services) was examined two outcomes, agricultural use "heavy" (i.e., commercial/municipal/industrial) use. Each explained by different pathways, illustrating associated with same outcome. Generally, while economic crucial heavy use, relating stress geographical matter most reuse. These results suggest policies promote reuse may be effective if they target uses feasible correspond local context. work also makes methodological contribution through potential utility fsQCA understanding complex drivers performance recycling.