Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2009GU151B

Protect Guam's Fresh Water: Taking Personal Responsibility for Pollution, Conservation and Community Action

Institute: Guam
Year Established: 2009 Start Date: 2009-03-01 End Date: 2010-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $20,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: Not available

Principal Investigators: Arretta Card, John Jenson

Project Summary: Fresh water is one of Guams premier natural resources. Ground water and surface water sources supply the fresh water that is vital to life on our island. All households and businesses in our communities rely on fresh water for daily consumption and activities. Beyond drinking, washing and the daily activities of life, we must have a reliable and amply source of clean water to support our industries including tourism, to preserve community health, to control fires, and for recreation. A stable supply of fresh water improves property values and is essential to the islands economy. Guam residents must have access to information about the value of our freshwater supply if they are to take responsibility for curtailing pollution originating in households and businesses, conserving water through consumer-side system maintenance and water saving practices, and participating in community action and decision-making. This education program described will create an awareness and interest in public policies and adopting personal practices that support the protection of clean and abundant fresh water on Guam by creating easy public access to information and participation in decision-making. The working title, Protect Guams Fresh Water, is intended to target adult residents of Guam especially home owners or household managers, those with septic tanks, business owners/directors, farmers and those who must dispose of household-type chemicals at home or work. The program consists of a (1) Public Service Campaign, (2) an Online Clearinghouse, and (3) Partner Recruitment of businesses and agencies. The Public Service Campaign includes the components needed to promote awareness and methods to Protect Guams Fresh Water. Local mass media will be alerted to the campaign and oriented to the purpose and availability of campaign materials, and will be able to conveniently download print ads, radio spots, and a television spot in appropriate formats for use by their respective publications and broadcast needs. Information about avoiding pollution, practicing conservation and participating in community action will be emphasized. Simple methods and tips that take into consideration local lifestyles and conditions will be included. The Online Clearinghouse will give easy, 24/7 public access to information in the following three areas: 1) Information tips and FAQs on how one can make a difference in Protecting Guams Fresh Water with simple practices at home and work; 2) Ideas for speaking to key officials, media outlets, and online forums will be included in a directory; 3) A registry will offer community action groups an opportunity to recruit participants. The Partnership Recruitment will target the mass media, businesses, agencies, civic groups and community leaders GovGuam employees, Village Mayors Council providing opportunities to help spread information by reprinting and sending statement stuffers, posting tips on bulletin boards, and adopting 'fresh water friendly' practices. The program objectives are to 1) provide easy access to the public for information about protecting Guams freshwater supply; 2) promote personal responsibility for controlling pollution at home and work especially from household-type chemicals, landscaping and farming activities and septic tanks; 3) promote personal responsibility to repair consumer-side water leaks and instituting water saving practices; 4) provide easy public access to information about participating in decision-making and community discussions and 5) serve as an ongoing reminder of the value and importance of the islands natural resource of fresh water.