New Survey Reveals American Concerns About Water

Source: APM Research Lab | Water Main survey, conducted May 7-12, 2019.

An educational organization called “The Water Main” has just released a sweeping new survey of American’s knowledge and concerns about water. I encourage you to browse the full report, but here’s some key findings to entice you.

Most of the American public—73% of all adults—think that there is likely to be a shortage in the supply of fresh water in the foreseeable future.

Half of American adults know that wetlands help filter water and prevent flooding. 57% of Republicans correctly identify the basic ecological function of wetlands, compared with 50% of independents and 45% of Democrats.

45% indicate that water plays an extremely meaningful role in their life (this one left me wondering what the others are drinking?!)

46% of Americans indicate that they feel a personal connection with a specific lake, river, or
ocean. A significantly higher proportion of older adults feel a personal connection with a body
of water (56% of those over age 64, compared with about 40% of adults under age 45).

65% of Americans indicate at least some interest in learning more about water-related issues.

95% of Americans think it is important for children in the U.S. to learn about protecting water
resources.

84% are concerned about the future of America’s water resources, including the 42% who are “very concerned.” 53% of Democrats are “very concerned” about the future of America’s water resources, compared with 42% of independents, and 32% of Republicans.

82% are concerned about the future of America’s drinking water infrastructure, including the 45% who are “very concerned.” 58% of Democrats are “very concerned” about the future of America’s drinking water infrastructure, compared with 42% of independents, and 33% of Republicans.

55% worry about the safety of drinking water from their tap at home, including 30% who
worry about it “a great deal.” Those living in western states are twice as likely as those in north eastern and north central states to indicate that there is “too much” governmental regulation protecting water (13% compared to 6%). While a higher proportion of Democrats than Republicans indicate that there is “too little” government regulation, it is notable that only 13% of Republicans indicate that there is “too much” government regulation to protect water.

24% of American adults are worried that they may not be able to afford their water bill (note that this survey took place pre-pandemic)

22% of adults report that they have contributed money or volunteered time to an
organization which works on taking care of water resources.

47% of adults indicate that, when deciding who to vote for, it is “very important” that a
candidate says that taking care of water is a priority for them. 81% of adults indicate that the protection of water is important to their vote, either “somewhat” (34%) or “very important” (47%). Water protection is “very important” to the voting choices of 32% of Republicans, 48% of independents, and 54% of Democrats.

And last but certainly not least, this one:

Just under half of all adults say they know the original source of the tap water in their
homes. Residents of non-metropolitan areas are more likely to know the source of their tap water than are those who live in metropolitan areas (59% compared with 45%).

I tell my students at the University of Virginia that if they can’t answer this correctly on their final exam, I will flunk them! If you don’t know where your water comes from, you can’t feel a connection and responsibility for it, and you won’t fight to take care of it.

Let’s all work to improve the knowledge of our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens about water! Our viability as human beings may very well depend upon it.