Keywords
public administration; emergency management; urban planning; public policy; sustainability
Abstract
Decentralized wastewater treatment (DWT) systems, such as onsite greywater recycling and septic systems, have been demonstrated to be a potentially more sustainable, cost-effective, and disaster-resilient alternative to traditional centralized systems by treating wastewater at or near the source. However, many barriers exist that have prevented the widespread implementation of DWT, such as public opposition, lack of resources, government regulations, public health concerns, and capital costs. In this study, local emergency managers, urban planners, and utility/wastewater managers in Florida were surveyed to determine their perceptions and levels of knowledge on DWT. The results of this study were inconclusive due to a smaller than anticipated response rate, but indicate low levels of knowledge and support for implementation of DWT systems among Florida local public administrators. However, this study can serve as a preliminary investigation into a subject with very little existing research. While the data offer no definitive conclusions, it can provide a framework for future research on local public administrator perspectives on DWT.
Thesis Completion Year
2026
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Lavarias, Romeo
College
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department
School of Public Administration
Thesis Discipline
Public Administration
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
UCF Downtown
STARS Citation
Hagan, Jude, "Florida Local Public Administrator Perspectives on Decentralized Wastewater Treatment" (2026). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 474.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/474
Included in
Emergency and Disaster Management Commons, Infrastructure Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Public Administration Commons, Public Policy Commons, Urban Studies Commons
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
Rights Statement
