Rural and Urban Difference in the Acceptance of Alternative Water Management Strategies: Case Study of Idaho Residents
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 149, Issue 6
Abstract
Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the US. The stressors of population growth and climate change are increasing the strain on its water resources, emphasizing the need for water management strategies. Public support, however, can vary by a range of factors, including geography. This study aims to assess the rural and urban distinctions of support for water resource management. In 2014, 401 people from Idaho’s general public responded to an online survey, with 375 of the respondents georeferenced into three groups: urban areas; urban clusters (small towns); and rural. The responses showed similarities in support among the groups; however, there were some notable differences. Water conservation received the most support for all groups, but there was a significant difference around land use regulations. The majority of respondents supported land use regulations, with urban clusters having the highest level of support. These findings can assist water managers throughout the United States with respect to recognizing public preferences in different geographies of residence.
Practical Applications
The findings from this study are relevant to water managers and decision-makers as they develop strategies to address water shortages. Results show that individuals in rural and urban communities alike share strong support for water conservation, including the reuse of water. Land use planning and regulation can be controversial; however, there is support to regulate development in order to protect water resources. Elected officials, decision-makers, and managers should understand that, on the surface, it may appear there is strong support for the development of new infrastructure, including dams and pipelines, but the results here show that support all but dries up when these efforts involve moving water from one community to another. Overall, this study showed that individuals in rural and urban communities support water conservation and land use planning to address water shortages. They do not, however, support the transfer, sale, or movement of water from one area to another. This is relevant, as water transfers are increasingly being used in the West to address water shortages. Most importantly, water managers and elected officials need understand that, when it comes to water, rural and urban communities are more alike than different.
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Data Availability Statement
Some data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request (data used in Tables 2 and 3).
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Reese Randall, Dr. Jillian Moroney, Dr. Vanessa Fry, and Dr. Eric Lindquist for their assistance. Funding provided by Boise State University.
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Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 149 • Issue 6 • June 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 2, 2021
Accepted: Jan 21, 2023
Published online: Mar 23, 2023
Published in print: Jun 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Aug 23, 2023
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