Measuring Water Quality Perceptions vs. Reality

This working group's research centers on the public’s perception of water quality and their behavior in response to perceived poor water quality. Public perceptions of the cleanliness of water are variable and dynamic and may or may not be based on scientific fact. These perceptions influence residents' and visitors' behavior, which in turn affects population dynamics, land use and the economy, as well as planning, managing and protecting water resources. 

Research Significance

• It is crucial to understand the relationship between objective monitoring data and subjective public perceptions of environmental quality to improve the interpretation of study findings and improve the design for future studies. 
  
  
• A complete understanding of the impact of policies requires both objective and subjective information on changes in environmental quality.

Groundbreaking Research

Obtaining both subjective and objective information on water quality can be difficult and/or expensive. By capturing both sets of data, this research creates a comprehensive look at the real change in water quality and how it is perceived. 

One of the ways we will obtain data on the public perception of recreational water quality is through the use of QR codes. On land, QR codes will be placed in the general area where drones are collecting water quality samples. These QR codes will ask the participant to take our ongoing survey of recreational water quality.

Research Challenge

Public perceptions of water quality can change often. Yet, historically it has been challenging to gauge these perceptions because responses to survey scoring systems can be subjective and difficult to collect. 

Purpose: To measure the differences between objective measures of water quality and the subjective perceptions of water qualilty through a series of surveys

Research Vision: Ongoing measurement of the public's perception of water quality that can be regularly compared to actual water quality 

Hypothesis 1: The perception of individuals can differ from scientific, objective data, and this can affect the results of planning, managing and protecting water resources.

Hypothesis 2: These perceptions influence residents' and visitors' behavior, which in turn affects population dynamics, land use and the economy. 

 

SC Impact 

This research will have a positive on the understanding of water quality and new ways to manage risks to ecosystems across South Carolina. While this is a state-wide research focus, certain areas of public interest will benefit greatly from this institute's work.