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Poll Shows Disparity Between Drought Danger Awareness, Action

More than two thirds of San Diegans say a possible water shortage is a very serious issue, though only about one third say they've made a big effort to conserve water this summer. A poll out today als

Poll Shows Disparity Between Drought Danger Awareness, Action

More than two thirds of San Diegans say a possible water shortage is a very serious issue, though only about one third say they've made a big effort to conserve water this summer. A poll out today also shows attitudes about recycling sewage to drinking water could change. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The poll shows about 50 percent of San Diegans oppose water recycling, sometimes called “toilet to tap.”   Given three options of how to deal with water shortages -- desalination, mandatory rationing and water recycling -- recycling comes last.

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But pollster John Nienstedt of Competitive Edge Research says when given more information about water recycling, a significant number of people were willing to change their minds.

Nienstedt : I wouldn't completely count out waste water to well water. They've got somewhat of an open mind at this point because the issue is so serious.

Mayor Jerry Sanders opposes water recycling; the city attorney is for it. Sanders' analysis says it's more expensive than desalination, but environmentalists challenge that.

The issue will be debated at city hall in two weeks.

Alison St John, KPBS News.

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