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EXPERIMENTS IN IMPROVING RURAL WATER SUPPLIES 1
Author(s) -
Sargent Frederic O.,
Mann James H.,
Neiman Thomas N.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
jawra journal of the american water resources association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.957
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1752-1688
pISSN - 1093-474X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-1688.1981.tb01935.x
Subject(s) - water quality , newspaper , water supply , state (computer science) , quality (philosophy) , bridge (graph theory) , eutrophication , business , rural area , public health , environmental planning , environmental science , computer science , environmental engineering , political science , advertising , law , medicine , algorithm , nutrient , biology , ecology , philosophy , chemistry , nursing , organic chemistry , epistemology
ABSTRACT: A series of studies and experiments were conducted to identify rural water supply quality problems and to develop and demonstrate solutions. We found that rural people had severe and widespread problems, while state agencies held potential answers. Communications between experts and town officials were weak or absent. To bridge this gap, an information system was devised and tested. A computer program was developed to provide a printout map of the state, showing town boundaries and the quality of water supplies for each public water system monitored by the State Health Department. The map and data were published in local newspapers with an explanation of the map and its symbols. Town health officers were interviewed to determine the results of the public disclosure. We found that the news releases led to increased awareness, interest, and understanding of water quality and demands for ameliorative action. This program was supplemented by two publications: “A Layman's Guide to Eutrophication” and “A Handbook for Rural Water Uses.” The handbook explains the nature of drinking water standards, the reasons for these standards, the dangers and results of not meeting the standards, and cost‐effective alternatives for improving water quality.