Research commissioned by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) in Australia has found strong evidence that the language and complexity of water management is excluding communities from understanding what environmental flows are and their benefits. A state-wide market research project has confirmed startling levels of community misunderstanding that stem from impenetrable water language.
Understanding and awareness about water for the environment, and water use and management, is low amongst most of the population. There is limited understanding that waterways have been modified for human use, so there is also limited understanding about why environmental flows are needed for rivers to survive and thrive.
To help increase public acceptance of water for the environment, it will be essential to first increase levels of water literacy. Scientists have a role alongside policy makers and managers to increase public knowledge on the benefits of healthy waterways. To be successful, the water industry needs to break down potential verbal and intellectual barriers, simplify concepts and speak to people in language they understand.