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)

Community 
The learning experience: Relates to long-term community vision and goals.
The learning experience: Generates and makes use of data about the local condition.
The learning experience: Reaches people in multiple ways.

Class or Group 
The learning experience: Is designed to focus on a targeted audience and is built on an understanding of audience skills and interests.
The learning experience: Content and delivery is determined in cooperation with the target audience and stakeholders

Citation: Howarth, D., & Butler, S. (2004). Communicating water conservation: How can the public be engaged? Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 4(3), 33-44.
Citation Type: Research