Environmental Studies Program
Date of this Version
Spring 5-2012
Abstract
The study was conducted in Lincoln, Nebraska to test when individuals are educated on water scarcity issues and water saving techniques; they will make choices that lower consumption at the individual level.
The twenty households participated in this study on a volunteer basis. Each household was educated on current water issues, water saving techniques, and on their current ecological water footprint. These households were monitored over a four month period for actual reduction in water consumption and economic savings.
The water consumption patterns of the participants after being educated on water scarcity and water saving techniques correlated directly resulting in a decrease in water consumption and an increase in monetary savings. This indicates that individuals have the potential to make an impact on conserving water regionally and globally when motivated and educated.