Challenge of rainwater harvesting in Shanghai, China: A public psychological perspective

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting systems (RWHs) are vital to alleviate water shortages, especially in arid regions. However, research on the application of RWHs in humid regions is necessary because they may also face the challenges of water supply shortages, urban flooding, runoff pollution, and heat island phenomena. Public acceptance plays a key role in the reuse of water resources. This study takes Shanghai, China, as an example and explores the public intention and motivation to use RWHs in humid regions by adding six psychological factors to the technology acceptance model (TAM). The results indicate that social influence, subjective knowledge, and the technological environment are direct drivers. Other psychological factors influence the intention to use through the moderation of perceived usefulness and attitude. The total effect of social influence, subjective knowledge, and social trust are essential for RWHs implementation. However, the technical environment and perceived risk may be psychological barriers to accepting RWHs. In addition, there is no significant effect of the perceived cost. The findings provide critical insights for policymakers to understand the public's attitudes and intrinsic motivations to address the challenges of rainwater harvesting in a humid region.

Keywords: Humid region; Intention to use; Psychological factors; Rainwater harvesting; Technology acceptance model.