News Latest News 91% of Australians think we'll run out of water
91% of Australians think we'll run out of water
Australians are gravely concerned about the nation's water supply in light of forecast population targets, and though they are committed to reducing household water usage, there is widespread preference for more infrastructure to satisfy growing demand, according to the findings of new research commissioned by MWH Australia.
According to the research, 91% of people are concerned that Australia's current water supply will not be able to support a significant population increase in the next five years.
When asked to choose between more infrastructure (such as dams or desalination plants) versus further water restrictions, 76% of Australians said they would prefer increased water infrastructure as opposed to 18% opting for a restricted water supply, to ensure water security for the future.
Peter Williams, Managing Director of MWH Australia, said,
We need to think about the future of water in a drier Australia.
Our nation’s water issues boil down to a question of supply versus consumption. Governments must encourage Australians to reduce, or further reduce their water usage.
In addition, our water supply must increase through greater investment in water infrastructure. This big issue must be addressed if we are to ensure water security for the future.
Despite the fact that Australians overwhelmingly believe it is a national duty to use water wisely, we also can’t downplay the emotional and nostalgic role of water in our national psyche.
It is a very emotive issue for most Australians and enjoyment of water is seen as something to preserve for future generations.
MWH's research showed Australians have a sense of national duty to conserve water, with 95% of respondents believing it is every Australian's responsibility to make good use of our water. In addition, it appears water restrictions have altered behaviour, with four in five (82%) facing water restrictions agreeing they have fundamentally changed the way their household uses water.
However, this may not last as 50% believe they would be less careful if water restrictions were lifted in their area.
The research challenged some of the stereotypes about attitudes to water conservation. For example, Baby Boomers care more about water conservation than younger generations. Even Gen Y, a generation often considered the most environmentally aware and active, appears the least water-saving savvy. Baby Boomers (81%) are also the biggest supporter of future infrastructure measures to ensure our water security (compared to 75% of Gen X and 67% of Gen Y).
Also key to the Australian psyche is the innate sense of duty to conserve water, according to 95% of Australians who believe it is every Australian's responsibility to make good use of our water.
So much so, Australians have developed an emotional reaction to wasting water, 90% agree it just doesn't feel right to leave a tap running (like riding in a car without a seatbelt) and 81% feel guilty if they use water unwisely.
97% of Australians have fond childhood memories involving playing with tap water, whether under the sprinkler, with water pistols, water bombs or cooling off under a hose, and the vast majority (89%) believe it is important the next generation of Australian children are able to create their own memories playing with water.
