A game theoretic approach to implementation of recycled drinking water. Issue 51 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qian, Neng; Leong, Ching
• Is Part Of: Desalination and water treatment. Volume 57:Issue 51(2016)
• Page Start: 24231
• Page End: 24239
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Recycled drinking water -- Water reuse -- Implementation -- Perception -- Game theory -- Social norm -- Evolution; Saline water conversion -- Periodicals; Saline water conversion; Water -- Purification; Periodicals; 628.167
• DOI: 10.1080/19443994.2016.1141325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-3994

Abstract

Abstract: Singapore is known as a successful example of implementing recycled drinking water (NEWater) policy. Acceptance of recycled water could be seen as a new social norm (NEWater norm). We first use a discourse analysis to investigate people's perception on recycled drinking water. Such perceptions incorporate psychological disgust ("yuck" factor) as well as social concerns (water security, economic incentives, long-term sustainability). Based on these perceptions, game theory approach is applied to analyze the emergence and evolutionary process of the NEWater norm. We find that, a "thick" perception on recycled drinking water entails the possibility of new norm formation; in such an environment, acceptance of NEWater will gradually penetrate into the whole population from an even small portion of leaders.