Consumers\u27 Perspectives On Water Issues: Directions For Educational Campaigns

After a recent drought focused attention on an impending water crisis in central Florida, 6 focus groups were conducted. They explored the relationship among population growth, development, and water resources to glean insight for environmental education campaigns. These consumers revealed high awareness and moderate concern about rapid growth and development, expressed dissatisfaction with their water resource quantity and quality, and reported varied water management strategies. They perceived that growth and development affected their water conditions but were reluctant to acknowledge their own connection to the problem. They supported community education campaigns about water management and recommended 5 approaches for message content and delivery. The implications of the focus groups\u27 responses and future research directions are discussed. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC