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RAINWATER HARVESTING: KNOWLEDGE GAINS AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES

Extension Education

Tony Glover
COUNTY EXTENSION COORDINATOR
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
CULLMAN

Abstract

Two Rainwater Harvesting workshops were conducted with more than 120 homeowners participating. The objectives were to inform and train homeowners about basic storm water issues and how harvesting rainwater could save money and improve water quality. The “Logic Model” approach was used to measure outputs and outcomes using both workshop and post (four month) workshop surveys. Eighty four percent of the participants said they were likely to install a rain barrel to harvest water from their homes. A similar amount said they planned to store the water for use on their landscape. The survey took a snapshot of the participant’s level of understanding on eleven major areas. There was a 63 percent increase in the participants level of understanding. Four months after the workshop, a follow up survey was conducted to determine what the participants had actually done. One hundred surveys were sent out, and we received 40 responses. Forty percent had already installed a rain harvest device; 32 percent were still researching but planned to install a device in the future; and another 20 percent had the system designed but not installed. When asked if they planned to install a system before the summer of 2010, the response was 95 percent positive.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: T.A. Glover*, Sally Lee, Cathy Sabota, Kerry Smith
  1. Glover*, T. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 35223
  2. Lee, S. Urban Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 35223
  3. Sabota, C. Extension Specialist, Alabama A&M University, Alabama, 35762
  4. Smith, K. Extension Specialist, Auburn University, Alabama, 36849