To assess customer satisfaction with community water conservation programs, consider evaluating: effectiveness in reducing water use; effectiveness of enforcement; fairness; overall satisfaction with the program; necessity of the water use restrictions; and necessity of the water use bans. Continue reading →
Audience: Homeowners 
People who have ownership and responsibility for care and maintenance of property on which their home is located
Findings Navigation: Browse by Audience; Browse by Theme; Browse by Best Education Practice; Browse by multiple topics
Atwood, C., Kreutzwiser, R., & de Loe, R. (2007) Finding 1
In water conservation programs, there is a need to communicate effectively about the necessity for, effectiveness of, and fairness of the conservation programs. Continue reading →
Dufort, N. (2005) Finding 2
An effective stormwater public education program applies a multi-faceted creative advertising campaign that incorporates messaging through newspapers, bus shelters and municipal litter receptacles, radio commercials, and television advertisements. Provide door-to-door newsletters distributed to all residents. Provide funding to community groups for the implementation of projects that further the goals and objectives of the Plan while complementing city-led capital works projects. Continue reading →
Dufort, N. (2005) Finding 1
An effective stormwater public education program focuses on building an understanding of wet weather flow issues and garnering support for all facets of the implementation, particularly on-site source controls using targeted communication tactics that promote action and commitment to the implementation of various controls. On-site controls messages can address reduction of pesticide and fertilizer use, promoting source controls such as downspout disconnection, reducing impervious surfaces, importance of stoop and scoop of pet waste, vehicle maintenance, and the connection between roadside catch basins and lake water quality. Continue reading →
Howarth, D., & Butler, S. (2004) Finding 1
To increase resident interest in water conservation, three urban case studies (Phoenix, Copenhagen, Singapore) highlight the following successful strategies:
- Active involvement from citizens sought as opposed to passive response from consumers
- Citizens asked what sort of conservation measures they would be willing to adopt and brought into the process early
- Multi-faceted approach supported by pricing, technical assistance and inter-agency co-operation
- Well publicised target set for per capita consumption giving customers and the water department a collective goal
- Involvement of Copenhagen Energy in ongoing dialogue and city wide environmental initiatives
- “Turn it off” campaign brought home the reality of water not being conserved – it ceased to be an abstract concept
- Very high profile and comprehensive communication campaign that, although varying in content and intensity, has been in existence for several years
- Campaign led by multi-agency committee (i.e. not just the water utility or the government)
Hargrove, K. (2004) Finding 4
In video and audio communication materials,
- Use entertaining approaches to communicate simple messages.
- Partner with a state broadcast association to assure dissemination.
Dietz, M. E., Clausen, J. C., & Filchak, K. K. (2004) Finding 1
Rely on these outreach components for a conservation initiative (Dietz, 2004, Env Mgmt):
- Individual homeowners make site assessments with help from trained volunteers who make specific recommendations for reducing bacteria and nitrogen runoff.
Gerakis, A. (1998) Finding 1
Test the audience at the beginning of the workshop to improve instructor ability to enhance subsequent learning Continue reading →
Dietz, M. E., J. C. Clausen, et al. (2002) Finding 1
Test effectiveness of education program delivery through comparison of changes in nitrate, nutrients and bacteria in runoff. Continue reading →
Kauffman, J. (2004) Finding 1
Communicate information about a watershed initiative by:
- Distributing native plants
- Providing non-chemical landscape design advice and rain barrels
- Bus tours
- Disseminating information.
