Post on 15-Jan-2016
Dr. Natalie Henrich, Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences
Dr. Bev Holmes, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
Applied Metagenomics of the Watershed Microbiome
Benefits and challenges of new water quality tests: what do stakeholders think?
Objective: To understand stakeholders’ perspectives on the new water quality tests
2
The questions
3
1. How could the tests be useful?
2. Why might the tests not be useful?
3. How can communicating about water
quality with the public be improved?
Methods
4
• Policy makers• Watershed managers• Laboratory managers• Farmers• Water communicators
in the health authorities
• The public from pilot watersheds
• Lay experts
Uses of the tests
5
• Evidence available to inform: watershed management & source water
protection water treatment use of recreational and drinking water use of activities that impact water quality
• More rapid and effective response to contamination events
Potential test limitations
6
• Understanding the implications of the test results Do identified microbes pose a health
threat? How should behaviour change?
• Relevance for drinking water Are microbes present post-treatment?
• Will policies permit decisions based on new tests?
Other limitations to perceived usefulness of tests
7
Public: Fecal contamination generally not seen
as harmful More concerned about chemical
contamination
Farmers: Limited use of surface water Concerns about regulatory impacts
Aligning public needs with communications
8
Is there a problem with our water?
There’s a problem with your water!
Aligning public needs with communications
9
Is it safe to swim today?
Here are the test scores!
Aligning public needs with communications
10
Where can we find reliable information about water quality?
The HA websites post test scores.
The value of stakeholder perspectives
11
Can inform:• Test design• Implementation strategy (to uptake)• Future research agenda/funding
2-way street between science and publics