FRESNO (KMJ) — Research from Fresno State has put our attitude towards water firmly in the spotlight. It was released to the public Thursday morning, in a press conference attended by almost everyone who had a hand in the report’s creation.
Mega droughts and population levels dropping in various parts of the valley are but two of the warnings expressed by the report, entitled “Impact of the Drought in the San Joaquin Valley of California“.
It also describes fears over high water rates, leading to rising food prices, if nothing is done to fix the ongoing drought.
“Our researchers arrived at five recommendations”, announces the report’s editor Dr. Gillisann Harootunian. “One. Water budgets – every citizen and every sector should have, know, and understand its water budget and use its water budget appropriately.
“Two. Spark deep political discussions about water availability, laws and policies. The goal should be a broad based consensus on long term water use.
“Third. Inspire and educate the next generation of water leaders, of water problem solvers.
“Fourth. Change our water culture. Avoid single uses of water. Explore non conventional uses of water. Harvest rainfall in all communities.
And fifth and most importantly recognize the true value of water and price it accordingly”.
Principal investigator Dr. Lynnette Zelezny says things need to change.
“Attitudes are very much predictive of how we behave. We have to have widespread attitudinal change about water”.
The complete report has now been uploaded to Fresno State’s website. The study was made possible by the Wells Fargo Clean Technology and Innovation Grant Program and the link to view it can be found clicking here.
