 | We Are Colorado WaterWiseAddressing the state's water challenges by improving water efficiency through diverse community connections, innovative solutions and valuable member resources |
 | Education and Communication |
OverviewWater education is an investment in the future. While education and communication don’t save water by themselves, raising awareness about conservation and water use is fundamental to getting people to take water-saving actions (Vickers, 2001). Impactful education campaigns effectively communicate the value of water, deliver timely and useful information to target audiences, and provide consistent and persistent messages. For more on this best practice see the CWW Best Practices document, which includes additional information on designing and delivering effective education and communication campaigns.
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Key Takeaways
- Education and outreach are linked with all other Best Practices. An element of public information and education is required in nearly all other best practices.
- Timely, useful, consistent, and persistent messaging is essential. Effectively communicating the value of water, delivering timely information that reaches all water users, and providing consistent and persistent messages help ensure success.
- Water education is an investment in the future. Public information is the mortar that holds together all other program elements.
- Awareness leads to action. Raising awareness about water and water use efficiency is fundamental to getting people to take the next step and doing something practical that saves water directly.
- Traditional communication channels are losing impact. Water providers have the ability to communicate directly with traditional bill inserts and direct mail. However, as water billing becomes more and more electronic these approaches are less impactful.
- Customized, electronic communication with customers is the future. Water providers are rapidly gaining the ability to communicate and educate through online customer portals with alert capabilities and customized on-bill information delivered electronically.
- Establishing and maintaining electronic contact information is essential. Water providers must do the work of collecting and maintaining email and mobile phone numbers.
Major Benefits and Considerations
| Category | Definition |
|---|---|
| Water Savings |
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| Other Benefits |
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Costs
| Category | Definition |
|---|---|
| Water Provider Costs |
Water provider costs for education and outreach vary. Some cost examples include:
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| Customer Costs | Not applicable |