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In this study, we analysed the survey results regarding the level of public knowledge about, and general attitudes towards, reclaimed water in Jinan, Weifang, and Yantai, three cities in northern China that experience serious water shortages. The objective is to identify the factors influencing public knowledge and acceptance of reclaimed water and determine the hurdles of water reuse applications. The results showed that: (1) educational background was moderately correlated, and age and monthly income were weakly correlated, with the respondents' knowledge about water resources and use; (2) gender, occupation, and economic income were not related to public attitudes toward reclaimed water, and older people and those with higher educational backgrounds were more willing to accept the use of reclaimed water than were other respondents. This study could provide a valuable reference in other regions of China and developing countries facing similar issues of reclaimed water. The knowledge of this study will help to overcome public acceptance hurdles in other projects.

China, especially its coastal provinces, is facing water shortage issues, restricting its further development. To tackle the serious imbalance between water resource supply and demand, China has strived to develop alternative water resources to combat the water crisis, among which seawater desalination plays a major role. This paper reviews the current situation of utilization of desalinated seawater in China and includes: (1) a history of seawater desalination classified into three phases; (2) analysis of utilization sectors, geographic distribution and employed technologies of the desalination plants; (3) summaries of the policies, regulations and technological standards governing seawater desalination; (4) proposals for existing problems and some suggested measures regarding the current condition of seawater desalination; and (5) the seawater desalination programs in Tianjin and Zhoushan are presented as two representative examples. China's seawater desalination experience can provide some guidance for other countries facing similar water resource situations.

Shandong is a typical region in northern China that is experiencing a serious shortage of water resources. To tackle the water resources shortage, Shandong is striving to develop alternative water resources, in addition to efficiently utilizing regular water resources, of which, the utilization of reclaimed water plays a major role. However, the successful implementation of the reclaimed water projects heavily depends on public perception and a positive public attitude toward reclaimed water. This study examines public perception of water resources and public attitude toward reclaimed water in Shandong through a questionnaire survey. The results indicate that the public lacks a general understanding of water resources in Shandong. The public positively accepts using reclaimed water for all 12 purposes examined. However, their receptivity of some of the purposes is relatively weak, especially with respect to domestic potable water. Graphical analysis results indicate that older people and people with higher educational levels are more willing to accept reclaimed water. Finally, this study recommends a group of people as the a priori target to improve public receptivity. The study could also provide a valuable reference for other regions of China and developing countries facing similar advancements in the development of reclaimed water.