Public perception of seawater desalination
The social science part of the project explores public perception of seawater desalination and its impacts on coastal ecology to inform participatory management of seawater desalination plants. First, we assess public literacy about coastal ecosystems and marine impacts of desalination to identify if coastal residents are able to engage in informed discussions about seawater desalination and its impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities (Heck the al 2016). Second, we explore public management priorities for the development of seawater desalination plants on a regional scale. Third, we examine the influence of social and ecological factors on attitudes towards seawater desalination plants (Heck et al 2016).
Methods
We conducted a questionnaire based mail survey among 1,500 residents in Carlsbad, California. Residents were randomly selected based on postal records. The final sample size was 331, with a response rate of 25% after accounting for non-deliverables. A second questionnaire based survey was conducted among 1,150 households across seven communities bordering the Monterey Bay. Residents were randomly selected from postal records. Questionnaires were administered in person and left at the door with a cover letter and a notice that the questionnaire would be picked up 2 days later. The total sample size was 391 with a response rate of 34%. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, correlation and regression models. Management priorities were assessed using a multi-criteria analysis approach, the Analytical Hierarchy Process.
In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews with eleven government agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal level to investigate the following:
- What environmental and political factors drive the development of seawater desalination plants in California?
- What are perceived benefits and concerns with seawater desalination among different government agencies?
- What kind of information is needed to systematically plan and monitor seawater desalination plants?
- What is needed to improve the decision-making process for seawater desalination plants?