Coloradans concerned about water quality
Statewide survey findings released to public
By Laurie DiBattista, Colorado NPS Connection associate editor
When asked to rate environmental concerns in a 2007 statewide survey, Coloradans put water quality and air quality, equally, at the top of five environmental concerns.
The random phone survey of 1,929 residents also found there may be some lack of knowledge about pollution sources. For example, over one-third of respondents didn’t know where storm or rainwater runoff goes when it enters a storm drain in their community.
The survey aims to get a better grasp of residents’ opinions and knowledge when it comes to water quality and water pollution sources. Findings will be used to plan future policymaking and outreach efforts.
The survey is a collaboration of The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, The Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, Colorado State University, Nonpoint Source Colorado and The City of Boulder’s Keep it Clean Partnership. The organizations hired Denver-based Corona Research Inc. in July 2007 to conduct the survey.
According to the recently released findings, a majority of Coloradans would support additional funding for water pollution controls and to clean up of rivers, lakes and streams.
And where might the funding come from to protect and improve the quality of the state’s rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs? Eight-nine percent of survey participants said they would support an alcohol and tobacco tax, 73 percent would support a corporate income tax and 62 percent would support a state sales tax.
Corona Research’s survey report, “Public Opinions on Water Quality Issues,” includes data based on age group, education level and willingness to pay for water quality improvements. It also breaks out findings for five geographic regions in the state including the Front Range, Western Slope, Eastern Plains, San Luis Valley and Eastern Mountains.
Overall key findings:
- Water quality is important to respondents.
- Regional differences in attitudes and experiences exist.
- There may be some lack of knowledge about pollution sources.
- Coloradans are generally willing to pay for water cleanup and to learn more about this issue.
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