Expert stakeholder attitudes and support for alternative water sources in a groundwater depleted region

► Salient beliefs of expert stakeholders were identified in terms of risks/benefits. ► Risks/benefits were categorized as ecological, economic, and human health impacts. ► Stakeholders identified more risks than benefits (all impacts) for surface water. ► Stakeholders identified more benefits than risks (all impacts) for conservation. ► Favorable beliefs: conservation > reclaimed water > desalination > surface water.