Rural Iowa Communities' Water Quality Awareness, Engagement and Policy Preferences

Issue

Much of the current literature related to this topic focuses on farmers’ perspectives on water quality issues. However, buy-in from wider rural communities may have a significant impact on the success of both initiative development and implementation. We therefore aim to close this research gap.

Objective

Our project uses Geographic Information System (GIS) modeling, focus groups, interviews, and existing survey data to assess attitudes and awareness of water quality issues in rural Iowan communities. Additionally, we investigate residents’ awareness of these issues and associated programs aimed at tackling them.

Approach

GIS software will be used to create visually striking maps that will both inform our community selection and articulate our findings to stakeholders. Focus groups and follow-up interviews will allow us to identify rural citizen’s attitudes, perceptions and behaviors linked to water quality issues and associated programs. Existing survey data will also serve to inform our questioning and supplement GIS data. At the conclusion of this project, we will produce a series of technical reports and policy briefs tailored to communities and policymakers. Additionally, a working paper will be produced with the aim of disseminating our findings to improve water-quality initiatives and community outreach.