Attitudes and Behaviors on Water Conservation in Texas: A Descriptive Summary

Transcription

1 Attitudes and Behaviors on Water Conservation in Texas: A Descriptive Summary Prepared for the Texas Water Development Board by: Gene L. Theodori Center for Rural Studies: Research & Outreach Department of Sociology Sam Houston State University April 2009

2 Acknowledgement Support for this research was provided by a grant from the Texas Water Development Board. I wish to extend a special thanks to Holly Lyke-Ho-Gland. The technical assistance that she provided while collecting, coding, cleaning, and entering the survey data contributed to the success of this project. ii

3 Table of Contents Acknowledgement... ii Introduction... 1 Methodology... 2 Section I Individual and Household Characteristics... 5 Section II Selected Household Water Issues Section III Attitudes toward Water and Water Conservation...37 Section IV Water Provider Conservation Practices Section V Household Water Conservation Practices Citation note iii

4 Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide insights into household water conservation issues in Texas. Specifically, information on household water conservation behaviors and water provider conservation practices is presented, as well as Texan s attitudes toward water conservation. Figures and tables are used to simplify presentation of the data. No conclusions or inferences are made. Individuals interested in statistical analyses and more detailed information should contact Dr. Gene L. Theodori at: Center for Rural Studies: Research & Outreach Department of Sociology Sam Houston State University Box 2446 Huntsville, TX Phone: Fax: gtheodori@shsu.edu 1

5 Methodology Data for this study were collected from a random sample of individuals located in nine of the sixteen regional water planning areas across Texas. The nine regional water planning areas included: Region C Region E Region H Region I Region J Region K Region L Region O Region P Region P the only regional water planning area that did not recommend water conservation as a water management strategy in the 2007 State Water Plan was purposely selected at the outset of the project. The additional eight regional water planning areas were selected upon empirical analyses of telephone interviews with executive committee members from each of the remaining fifteen regional water planning groups. The telephone interviews were designed to identify and provide insights into the water conservation attitudes and behaviors of the planning groups. In addition, the interviews allowed the researchers to ascertain a broad overview of the executive committee members perceived attitudes and behaviors of the water suppliers within their regions, as well as the perceived willingness of the water customers to accepts and participate in water conservation activities. The selected regions were deemed to be broadly representative of perceived conservation attitudes and behaviors of water providers and water customers across the State of Texas. 2

6 During the summer of 2008, a survey questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected sample of 8,768 households drawn from the nine regional water planning areas. A cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and an addressed postage-paid return envelope accompanied the questionnaire. The cover letter stated that the questionnaire was to be completed by the adult in the household who most recently celebrated his or her birthday. Approximately four weeks after the initial mailing, a second wave of surveys was mailed. Then, approximately four weeks after the second mailing, a third and final wave was mailed. The survey instrument, organized as a self-completion booklet, contained 44 questions and required approximately 40 minutes to complete. After three mailings, 2,110 surveys were completed and returned (see Table 1). 3

7 Table 1 Distribution of survey respondents overall and by regional water planning area Surveys mailed Surveys returned Overall 8,768 2,110 By regional water planning area Region C Region E Region H Region I Region J Region K Region L Region O Region P Unable to determine (UTD) 13 4

8 Section I Individual and Household Characteristics Figures 1 through 7 and Tables 2 through 8 summarize selected individual and household traits of the survey respondents. 5

9 Figure 1 Gender (n = 2055) 41.95% n= % n=1193 Male Fem ale 6

10 Table 2 Gender Region Male Female n C E H I J K L O P UTD

11 Figure 2 Age (n = 1990) 65+ years n= to 64 years n= to 44 years n= to 24 years n=24 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Percent 8

12 Table 3 Age Region 18 to to to n C E H I J K L O P UTD

13 Figure 3 Years of formal education (n = 1970) n=25 n=10 n=6 n=26 n=23 n=71 n=86 n=89 n=69 n=379 n=108 n=235 n=118 n=569 n=39 n=33 n=23 n=18 n=14 n=26 n=1 n=1 n=1 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Percent 10

14 Table 4 Years of formal education Region C E H I J K L O P UTD Years n

15 Figure 4 Ethnicity with which members of household most identify (n = 1987) Multi-ethnic / multi-racial n=98 Other n=33 Native American, Aleut or Aboriginal Peoples n=47 Latino or Hispanic n=218 Caucasian (non-hispanic) n=1522 Asian or Pacific Islanders n=5 African American (non-hispanic) n=64 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Percent NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 12

16 Table 5 Ethnicity with which members of household most identify Region 1 a 2 b 3 c 4 d 5 e 6 f 7 g n C E H I J K L O P UTD African American (non-hispanic) b Asian or Pacific Islanders c Caucasian (non-hispanic) d Latino or Hispanic e Native American, Aleut or Aboriginal Peoples f Other g Multi-ethnic / multi-racial NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 13

17 Figure household income (n = 1779) $130,000 or more $120,000 to $129,999 $110,000 to $119,999 $100,000 to $109,999 $90,000 to $99,999 $80,000 to $89,999 $70,000 to $79,999 $60,000 to $69,999 $50,000 to $59,999 $40,000 to $49,999 $30,000 to $39,999 $20,000 to $29,999 $10,000 to $19,999 Under $9,999 n=176 n=38 n=43 n=78 n=90 n=96 n=132 n=115 n=158 n=154 n=184 n=180 n=209 n=126 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% Percent 14

18 Table household income Region C E H I J K L O P UTD Income category 1 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n n a Under $9,999 b $10,000 to $19,999 c $20,000 to $29,999 d $30,000 to $39,999 e $40,000 to $49,999 f $50,000 to $59,999 g $60,000 to $69,999 h $70,000 to $79,999 i $80,000 to $89,999 j $90,000 to $99,999 k $100,000 to $109,999 l $110,000 to $119,999 m $120,000 to $129,999 n $130,000 or more 15

19 Figure 6 Number of residents in household (n = 2043) n=1 n=4 n=10 n=39 n=85 n=203 n=249 n=988 n=464 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 16

20 Table 7 Number of residents in household Region C E H I J K L O P UTD Residents n

21 Figure 7 Description of place of residence (n = 2091) Other n=104 Rent apartment n=39 Rent condominium / townhome n=5 Own condominium / townhome n=11 Rent single-family home n=93 Own single-family home n=1839 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Percent NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 18

22 Table 8 Description of place of residence Region 1 a 2 b 3 c 4 d 5 e 6 f n C E H I J K L O P UTD Own single-family home b Rent single-family home c Own condominium / townhome d Rent condominium / townhome e Rent apartment f Other NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 19

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24 Section II Selected Household Water Issues Figures 8 through 14 and Tables 9 through 15 summarize selected household water issues. 21

25 Figure 8 Residence water billing (n = 2079) Residence has private water well n=502 Other n=63 Charged to landlord / leasing property n=78 Billed directly to residence n=1436 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Percent NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 22

26 Region Table 9 Residence water billing Billed directly Charged to landlord Other Private well: No billing C E H I J K L O P UTD n NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 23

27 Figure 9 Residence has own water meter (n = 1564) 5.56% n= % n= % n=1426 Yes No Don't know NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider. 24

28 Table 10 Residence has own water meter Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

29 Figure 10 Residence has leaking fittings or fixtures (n = 1981) 5.25% n= % n= % n=1721 Yes No Don't know 26

30 Table 11 Residence has leaking fittings or fixtures Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

31 Figure 11 Length of time leaks have been evident (n = 149) Don't know n=10 Years n=28 Months n=44 Weeks n=36 Days n=31 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Percent NOTE: Includes only respondents who answered Yes in Figure

32 Table 12 Length of time leaks have been evident Region Days Weeks Months Years Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

33 Figure 12 Residence has water recycling systems (n = 2042) 4.80% n= % n= % n=1810 Yes No Don't know 30

34 Table 13 Residence has water recycling systems Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

35 Figure 13 Knowledge of approximate amount of monthly household water use (n = 1780) 33.54% n= % n=1183 Yes No 32

36 Table 14 Knowledge of approximate amount of monthly household water use Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

37 Figure 14 Approximate household water usage on a monthly basis (gallons) (n = 532) 10,000 or m ore 9,000 to 9,999 8,000 to 8,999 7,000 to 7,999 6,000 to 6,999 5,000 to 5,999 4,000 to 4,999 3,000 to 3,999 2,000 to 2,999 1 to 1,999 n=103 n=10 n=16 n=30 n=37 n=39 n=51 n=59 n=73 n=114 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Percent NOTE: Includes only respondents who answered Yes in Figure

38 Table 15 Approximate household water usage on a monthly basis (gallons) Region C E H I J K L O P UTD Gallons category 1 a b c d e f g h i j n a 1 to 1,999 b 2,000 to 2,999 c 3,000 to 3,999 d 4,000 to 4,999 e 5,000 to 5,999 f 6,000 to 6,999 g 7,000 to 7,999 h 8,000 to 8,999 i 9,000 to 9,999 j 10,000 or more 35

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40 Section III Attitudes toward Water and Water Conservation Figures 15a through 17g and Tables 16a through 18g illustrate respondents attitudes toward water and water conservation. 37

41 Figure 15a I think about the way I use water around the house and try to save water whenever possible. (n = 2025) Strongly agree n=872 Agree n=964 Neither agree nor disagree n=155 Disagre e n=29 Strongly disagree n=5 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 38

42 Region Table 16a I think about the way I use water around the house and try to save water whenever possible. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 39

43 Figure 15b I am concerned about the issue of residential water use in Texas. (n = 2005) Strongly agree n=826 Agree n=861 Neither agree nor disagree n=277 Disagre e n=29 Strongly disagree n=12 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 40

44 Table 16b I am concerned about the issue of residential water use in Texas. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 41

45 Figure 15c People should be entitled to use as much water as they like. (n = 1987) Strongly agree n=74 Agree n=286 Neither agree nor disagree n=486 Disagre e n=794 Strongly disagree n=347 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 42

46 Table 16c People should be entitled to use as much water as they like. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 43

47 Figure 15d Careless water users should pay more for water. (n = 1977) Strongly agree n=470 Agree n=814 Neither agree nor disagree n=461 Disagre e n=151 Strongly disagree n=81 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 44

48 Region Table 16d Careless water users should pay more for water. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 45

49 Figure 15e Water should be more expensive than it currently is for everybody. (n = 1982) Strongly agree n=26 Agree n=76 Neither agree nor disagree n=505 Disagre e n=838 Strongly disagree n=537 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 46

50 Region Table 16e Water should be more expensive than it currently is for everybody. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 47

51 Figure 15f I would accept paying additional rates to support recycled water. (n = 1941) Strongly agree n=44 Agree n=303 Neither agree nor disagree n=732 Disagre e n=567 Strongly disagree n=295 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 48

52 Region Table 16f I would accept paying additional rates to support recycled water. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 49

53 Figure 15g Communities should have a choice about whether or not they are supplied with recycled water. (n = 1985) Strongly agree n=511 Agree n=955 Neither agree nor disagree n=399 Disagre e n=77 Strongly disagree n=43 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 50

54 Table 16g Communities should have a choice about whether or not they are supplied with recycled water. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 51

55 Figure 15h Only a substantial increase in the price of water would change my current level of use. (n = 1964) Strongly agree n=163 Agree n=607 Neither agree nor disagree n=605 Disagre e n=427 Strongly disagree n=162 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 52

56 Region Table 16h Only a substantial increase in the price of water would change my current level of use. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 53

57 Figure 15i The level of water conservation should be determined by an independent body, not politicians. (n = 1979) Strongly agree n=739 Agree n=788 Neither agree nor disagree n=346 Disagre e n=61 Strongly disagree n=45 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 54

58 Region Table 16i The level of water conservation should be determined by an independent body, not politicians. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 55

59 Figure 16 Impression of Texas water supply (n = 1970) 20.00% n= % n= % n=1343 Texas has enough water to meet the current and future needs of its citizens. Texas has enough water to meet the current needs of its citizens, but it will be more difficult to meet future needs. Texas does not have enough water to meet the current or future needs of its citizens. 56

60 Table 17 Impression of Texas water supply Region 1 a 2 b 3 c n C E H I J K L O P UTD Texas has enough water to meet the current and future needs of its citizens. b Texas has enough water to meet the current needs of its citizens, but it will be more difficult to meet future needs. c Texas does not have enough water to meet the current or future needs of its citizens. 57

61 Figure 17a The water shortage in Texas is overrated. (n = 1983) Strongly agree n=35 Agree n=223 Neither agree nor disagree n=674 Disagre e n=781 Strongly disagree n=270 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 58

62 Region Table 18a The water shortage in Texas is overrated. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 59

63 Figure 17b The water shortage is not a problem in my area of Texas. (n = 1994) Strongly agree n=110 Agree n=614 Neither agree nor disagree n=422 Disagre e n=610 Strongly disagree n=238 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 60

64 Table 18b The water shortage is not a problem in my area of Texas. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 61

65 Figure 17c The water shortage in Texas is only a temporary issue rather than a chronic problem. (n = 1985) Strongly agree n=14 Agree n=170 Neither agree nor disagree n=493 Disagre e n=901 Strongly disagree n=407 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 62

66 Table 18c The water shortage in Texas is only a temporary issue rather than a chronic problem. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 63

67 Figure 17d Water conservation should receive more government attention and spending over other State government spending (e.g., health, education, transportation, etc.). (n = 1986) Strongly agree n=131 Agree n=408 Neither agree nor disagree n=868 Disagre e n=458 Strongly disagree n=121 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 64

68 Table 18d Water conservation should receive more government attention and spending over other State government spending (e.g., health, education, transportation, etc.). Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 65

69 Figure 17e The government has done all it can to address the current water issues in Texas. (n = 1987) Strongly agree n=25 Agree n=80 Neither agree nor disagree n=640 Disagre e n=897 Strongly disagree n=345 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 66

70 Table 18e The government has done all it can to address the current water issues in Texas. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 67

71 Figure 17f The government is doing all it can to address future water issues in Texas. (n = 1982) Strongly agree n=16 Agree n=120 Neither agree nor disagree n=723 Disagre e n=798 Strongly disagree n=325 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 68

72 Table 18f The government is doing all it can to address future water issues in Texas. Region Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 69

73 Figure 17g The government should not be blamed for our current water shortage. (n = 1989) Strongly agree n=69 Agree n=440 Neither agree nor disagree n=913 Disagre e n=420 Strongly disagree n=147 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percent 70

74 Region Table 18g The government should not be blamed for our current water shortage. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree C E H I J K L O P UTD n 71

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76 Section IV Water Provider Conservation Practices Figures 18 through 21 and Tables 19 through 32 summarize respondents assessments of their water provider s conservation practices. 73

77 Figure 18 Water provider has passed mandatory water conservation ordinances (n = 1435) 23.21% n= % n= % n=727 Yes No Don't know NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider. 74

78 Table 19 Water provider has passed mandatory water conservation ordinances Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

79 Table 20 Mandatory water conservation ordinances passed by water provider Ordinances Yes No n Lawn watering dates and times Inverted block water rates Plumbing code restrictions Ordinances against water waste Landscaping restrictions Rain/freeze sensors on automatic irrigation systems Other NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figure 18. A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 76

80 Table 21 Mandatory water conservation ordinances passed by water provider Lawn watering dates and times Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

81 Inverted block water rates Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Plumbing code restrictions Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

82 Ordinances against water waste Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Landscaping restrictions Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

83 Rain/freeze sensors on automatic irrigation systems Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Other Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 80

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85 Figure 19 Water provider makes available voluntary water conservation programs (n = 1410) 14.82% n= % n= % n=547 Yes No Don't know NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider. 82

86 Table 22 Water provider makes available voluntary water conservation programs Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

87 Table 23 Voluntary water conservation programs in which water provider participates Voluntary water conservation programs Yes No n Toilet rebate Educational Public awareness Washing machine rebate Pressure valve replacement Showerhead retrofit Water conservation kits Water conservation tips Leak detection Lawn watering calculator Irrigation system leak detection or monitoring Landscaping rebate Rain harvesting Rain harvesting barrel rebate Other NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figure 19. A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 84

88 Table 24 Voluntary water conservation programs in which water provider participates Toilet rebate Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

89 Educational Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Public awareness Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

90 Washing machine rebate Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Pressure valve replacement Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

91 Showerhead retrofit Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Water conservation kits Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

92 Water conservation tips Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Leak detection Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

93 Lawn watering calculator Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Irrigation system leak detection or monitoring Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

94 Landscaping rebate Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Rain harvesting Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

95 Rain harvesting barrel rebate Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Other Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request 92

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97 Table 25 Rating of water provider s conservation program(s) Availability of information Clarity of program(s) Effectiveness of programs(s) Affordability of program(s) Overall experience Exceptional Good Satisfactory Needs improvement n NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figure

98 Table 26 Rating of water provider s conservation program(s) Availability of information Region Exceptional Good Satisfactory Needs improvement n C E H I J K L O P UTD

99 Clarity of program(s) Region Exceptional Good Satisfactory Needs improvement n C E H I J K L O P UTD Effectiveness of program(s) Region Exceptional Good Satisfactory Needs improvement n C E H I J K L O P UTD

100 Affordability of program(s) Region Exceptional Good Satisfactory Needs improvement n C E H I J K L O P UTD Overall experience Region Exceptional Good Satisfactory Needs improvement n C E H I J K L O P UTD

101 Figure 20 Would recommend water provider s conservation program to other water providers in the State (n = 200) 36.00% n= % n= % n=34 Yes No Don't know NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figure

102 Table 27 Would recommend water provider s conservation program to other water providers in the State Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

103 Figure 21 Members of household ever participated in a rebate program (n = 203) 4.93% n= % n= % n=162 Yes No Don't know NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figure

104 Table 28 Members of household ever participated in a rebate program Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

105 Table 29 Type of rebate program Rebate type n Toilet 11 Washing machine 6 Showerhead 2 Hot water heater 1 NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figures 19 &

106 Table 30 Type of rebate program Toilet Region n C 0 E 6 H 1 I 0 J 1 K 1 L 2 O 0 P 0 UTD 0 Washing machine Region n C 0 E 1 H 1 I 0 J 0 K 0 L 3 O 0 P 1 UTD 0 103

107 Showerhead Region n C 0 E 1 H 0 I 0 J 0 K 0 L 1 O 0 P 0 UTD 0 Hot water heater Region n C 0 E 0 H 0 I 0 J 0 K 0 L 0 O 0 P 1 UTD 0 104

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109 Table 31 Methods used by water provider to inform household about rebate programs Information source Yes No n Newspaper articles Newspaper advertisements Magazine/trade publications Magazine/trade advertisements Direct mail Chamber or civic publications Utility bill/water bill insert Radio news stories Radio commercials Television news stories Television commercials Government access television Website/internet Flyers/brochures Events messages Word of mouth Other NOTE: Includes only respondents who are served by a municipal water provider and who answered Yes in Figures 19 & 21. A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 106

110 Table 32 Methods used by water provider to inform household about rebate programs Newspaper articles Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

111 Newspaper advertisements Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Magazine/trade publications Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

112 Magazine/trade advertisements Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Direct mail Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

113 Chamber or civic publications Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Utility bill/water bill inserts Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

114 Radio news stories Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Radio commercials Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

115 Television news Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Television commercials Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

116 Government access television Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Websites/Internet Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

117 Flyers/brochures Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Events Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

118 messages Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Word of mouth Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

119 Other Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 116

120 Section V Household Water Conservation Practices Tables 33 through 44 and Figures 22 through 25 summarize respondents household water conservation habits. 117

121 Table 33 Source where household members receive information on water conservation and water saving tips Information source Yes No n Newspaper articles Newspaper advertisements Magazine/trade publications Magazine/trade advertisements Direct mail Chamber or civic publications Utility bill/water bill insert Radio news stories Radio commercials Television news stories Television commercials Government access television Website/internet Flyers/brochures Events messages Hotline Word of mouth Other Does not access information on water conservation or water-saving tips NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 118

122 Table 34 Source where household members receive information on water conservation and water saving tips Newspaper articles Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

123 Newspaper advertisements Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Magazine/trade publications Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

124 Magazine/trade advertisements Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Direct mail Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

125 Chamber or civic publications Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Utility bill/water bill inserts Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

126 Radio news stories Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Radio commercials Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

127 Television news Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Television commercials Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

128 Government access television Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Websites/Internet Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

129 Flyers/brochures Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Events Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

130 messages Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Hotline Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

131 Word of mouth Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD Other Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 128

132 I do not access information on water conservation or water-saving tips Region Yes No n C E H I J K L O P UTD

133 Figure 22 How often household members hear about water conservation in the media (n = 1812) Other n=315 Anually n=116 Semi-annually n=247 Monthly n=319 Semi-monthly n=217 Weekly n=419 Daily n=179 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Percent NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 130

134 Table 35 How often household members hear about water conservation in the media Region Daily Weekly Monthly Semiweekly Semiannually Annually Other n C E H I J K L O P UTD NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 131

135 Figure 23 Household members employ any water conservation practice (n = 1865) 5.79% n= % n= % n=1424 Yes No Don't know 132

136 Table 36 Household members employ any water conservation practice Region Yes No Don t know n C E H I J K L O P UTD

137 Table 37 Household water conservation practices Have You? How likely are you to in the future? Actions Yes No Not Applicable Very Likely Somewhat Likely Not Likely Water landscaping less (n = 1503) Adjust sprinkler schedules regularly (n = 1199) Sweep debris off driveways, patios, etc. rather than use a water hose (n = 1526) Use washing machine less or only with a full load (n = 1584) Repair leaks or drips (n = 1548) Take short showers (5 minutes or less) (n = 1581) Collect cold water for other uses while waiting for water to heat up (n = 1551) Use dishwasher less or only with a full load (n = 1387) Wash dishes by hand (n = 1531) Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving (n = 1599) Redirect downspouts towards lawn/plants (n = 1373) Use Texas native or low water use plants in landscaping (n = 1478) Rainwater harvesting (n = 1488) Retrofit plumbing fixtures (n = 1389) Use water saving appliances (n = 1493) Other (n = 61) NOTE: A complete list of Other responses is available upon request. 134