Journal article
Expert Opinion and Ground-Water Quality Protection: The Case of Nitrate in Drinking Water
Ground Water, Vol.27(6), pp.835-847
1989
DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1989.tb01047.x
Abstract
Ground-water protection strategies have been constrained by the limited consideration of varied and new options relevant to particular problems. Consequently, management practices have tended to maintain the status quo regarding legislation and water-quality standards. To examine the responses to specific issues, we presented an analysis of the problem of nitrate contamination of ground water in the Midwest to a community of experts. Ninety-seven individuals, through a formal questionnaire, responded to a variety of questions pertaining to the issue. They showed definite preferences in dealing with certain aspects of the problem, although there was significant variability in responses due to such factors as length of ground-water-related professional experience and residential status. It was clear that respondents preferred immediate preventive or corrective action in a world of incomplete knowledge over extensive research; were willing to undertake personal action to seek nitrate-free water rather than wait for official action; and favored local and state level involvement over federal intervention. Findings based on this survey research can be used effectively in the planning of future work to establish actual preferences in communities with serious nitrate contamination problems.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Expert Opinion and Ground-Water Quality Protection: The Case of Nitrate in Drinking Water
- Creators
- Rangaswamy Rajagopal - University of IowaGraham Tobin
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Ground Water, Vol.27(6), pp.835-847
- DOI
- 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1989.tb01047.x
- ISSN
- 0017-467X
- eISSN
- 1745-6584
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 1989
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering; Geographical and Sustainability Sciences
- Record Identifier
- 9983557270202771
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