Priority Water Issues in the Pacific Northwest

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- Success Story -

This program is just one example of CSREES Extension programming that has positively impacted watershed management. Please check back periodically for other highlighted programs.

Priority Water Issues in the Pacific Northwest

Situation

Effective planning and long-term change in impaired watersheds requires citizen participation in many stages of the process. Research is needed to identify how to best facilitate stakeholder (i.e., individuals, community, watershed groups) involvement in watershed issues.

Actions

The Pacific Northwest Regional Water Quality Program conducted a 50-question survey to document public awareness, aptitudes, attitudes, and actions toward water quality in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Impacts

Survey results appear in a Journal of Extension article (Mahler et al. 2004 ). Even though differences were seen among states on some issues, it is noteworthy that there is much commonality in water attitudes among states within the Region. The survey results will be used to guide water quality programming efforts over the next 4- to 5-year planning period. Based on survey results, residents are receptive to additional educational programming about drinking water and human health, groundwater, and watershed management issues.

This survey is in the process of being adapted and issued in other CSREES Regions.