Education—Key to Dealing with Social and Environmental Objectives

Education is viewed from the perspective of its role in providing understanding to guide action on complex water issues involving engineering and social and environmental considerations. A case study is presented on an effort by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers to promote education in water matters in public school curricula. Public school water education helps future generations better understand the complexity of water issues. The intent is that school children will carry the important message home to their parents. Regarding university programs, it is not suggested that engineers should become social and environmental specialists. No single specialist can handle all water issues. Instead, the issues should be presented in a broad manner so that the various ramifications are appreciated. Communication among the different groups must be fostered, and we must better appreciate the views of others.