ASSESSING RECLAIMED WATER FEASIBILITY FOR AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION IN THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Abstract

Groundwater withdrawals for agricultural irrigation have increased dramatically in the Mid-Atlantic region over the last 20 years due to drier conditions, more intermittent rain, and short-term drought events brought about by anthropogenic climate change. To preserve groundwater resources, the adoption of reclaimed water, treated wastewater, will be critical for sustaining crop yields and farmer wellbeing. Several barriers prevent widespread reclaimed water irrigation, including lack of infrastructure, cost of infrastructure, and negative social stigmas. To better understand barriers to reclaimed water adoption, we conducted an economic analysis, stakeholder survey, and agent-based model (ABM) simulation for two Mid-Atlantic watersheds. ABMs have become an increasingly popular method of replicating best management practice adoption due to their ability to integrate social and economic dynamics that model the diffusion of behavior from a bottom-up approach. We find that while economic benefits of irrigation cannot cover all variable costs associated with reclaimed water use, reclaimed water can conserve an estimated 51-84% of predicted freshwater demand from irrigation of our two study sites. Additionally, we find ~48% of farmers interested in partially and/or fully implementing reclaimed water, with major drivers of reclaimed water acceptance as attitude towards a cost-share program, attitudes towards government regulations, and perceptions of reclaimed water quality. ABM simulation results highlight that only an 100% cost-share program would facilitate the adoption of reclaimed water irrigation, and that greater educational and economic support is necessary for sustainable water management in Mid-Atlantic agriculture. This work provides valuable insight into the barriers and potential programs that can support greater acceptance of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation.