Articles

Authors: Mark Garrison, Anirban Pal

According to the United Nations, an estimated “2.4 billion people lived in water- stressed countries in 2020, of which almost 800 million lived in high and critically high water-stressed countries.ˮ Water-stress is typically defined as a condition where demand for water is greater than the available supply, or where the quality of water is poor.

Many factors can contribute to regional water-stress, such as population growth, industry demand, insufficient or low-quality sanitation, pollution, and drought.

Considering just drought, much of the southwestern United States is “abnormally dryˮ or worse, according to the US Drought Monitor. The Texas Panhandle in particular faces significant challenges. One such challenge: the future of the Ogallala Aquifer. According to a recent news article, a “reduction in yearly rainfall and ever-changing weather climate is threatening the existence of the Ogallala Aquifer,ˮ the primary source “for water in the Texas Panhandle and beyond.ˮ

While many factors contribute to water stress, one often overlooked element is social attitudes toward water. The widespread adoption of scientifically validated technologies and adherence to proven water-saving practices, in both industry and in homes, depends in part on social attitudes. Solutions that conflict with prevailing attitudes or beliefs will not be widely adopted. As Gholson and colleagues note, “Public perceptions and attitudes toward water issues will play an important role in whether Texans choose to adopt water conservation practices.ˮ

What are the major drivers of attitudes toward water, and how has research linked these attitudes to water use?

Education/Knowledge: Extensive research has examined how water education influences public attitudes and practices. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of water-related issues and measure the impact of educational campaigns on behavior. Many efforts to promote conservation behaviors begin as public education initiatives. This line of research often parallels public health campaigns in its approach and goals.

Views toward the natural environment: Broad attitudes toward the environment may shape perspectives on water conservation, perceptions of water quality, and opinions on specific water-sustaining solutions. This research avenue might examine, for instance, the social acceptability of treating wastewater for food production—a practice known as water "recycling."

Understanding of climate change: Attitudes toward climate instability may predict views on specific water policies. This line of inquiry would examine how a constituency's belief in human-caused climate events—such as drought—relates to their willingness to adopt water conservation practices or technologies.

Culture and philosophy: Culturally derived beliefs about water—such as the degree to which a community considers it sacred—may predict attitudes about water and how it should be treated. This line of inquiry would likely intersect with research linking water attitudes to views on the natural environment and values regarding the proper relationship between humans and nature.

Political and ideological commitments: Political orientation may influence support for specific government policies or regulations aimed at addressing water stress in a region. It may also affect the level of concern about water pollution, for example. Researchers might explore which water conservation practices—in both industry and households—would likely gain acceptance among groups skeptical of government regulation.

Economic interests: Regional economic characteristics can significantly influence water-related attitudes. The perceived or actual costs and benefits of water-saving practices can be key drivers of attitudes and behaviors. For instance, in regions dominated by water-intensive industries like agriculture, researchers might compare the popularity of technological innovations (such as more efficient irrigation systems) to strategies aimed at changing water consumption habits.

History and experience: Historical events — such as severe droughts — can significantly shape water-related attitudes and behaviors. This area of research offers valuable insights into the drivers of water-related behavior change.

Gholson, D.M., Boellstorff, D.E., Cummings, S.R., Wagner, K.L. and Dozier, M.C., 2019. A survey of public perceptions and attitudes about water availability following exceptional drought in Texas. Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, 166(1), pp.1-11.

In 2011, according to Gholson and colleagues, Texas experienced its worst single- year drought to date. Farmers were directly impacted by the drought, but city dwellers also felt its effects through expectations to comply with municipal drought contingency plans and water restrictions. With survey data collected before and after the drought, these water researchers were able to assess how Texans perceive the availability of water in their region before and after the drought, examining their concerns, behaviors regarding water conservation, and potential changes in attitude towards water usage following the drought event.

Results suggest that Texansʼ experience of the drought significantly changed their attitudes and behaviors. Researchers documents and increase in both concern about the availability of water, and adoption of water conservation practices.

This research lends support to the old adage, “experience is best teacher.ˮ While the authors did not consider respondent political affiliation, their employment sector, cultural background, or general views toward the natural environment, future research might be conducting to explore the mediating effect of these drivers on water-related attitudes of those living in water-stressed regions.

Undoubtedly, addressing water stress in affected regions requires careful consideration of how social attitudes shape citizens' behaviors impacting water quality and availability. These attitudes also influence people's willingness to support and adopt measures aimed at alleviating water stress. The Water Working Group at West Texas A&M University may consider the following:

Building on Gholson and colleagues' work, conduct surveys to track how water-related events, such as droughts, influence citizens' attitudes and behaviors. These surveys should examine how political views, economic interests, and environmental philosophies shape the effect of direct experience on social attitudes toward water.

Conduct comprehensive surveys to document the variety and prevalence of water conservation technologies and practices adopted by both consumers and industries.

Conduct surveys to assess both consumer and industry willingness to support the most common recommendations of scientists and policymakers aimed at addressing water scarcity and quality.

Explore in greater depth the spectrum of social attitudes potentially connected to water stress, and examine how these attitudes can guide the group's future educational outreach efforts.