Why Is It Important for Citizens to Talk About Water?

Why Should Citizens Talk About Water?

Water is the lifeblood of the state of California. It is a precious and limited resource. Decisions are being made now by policy-makers that will affect California citizens for generations. Many Californians unfortunately believe that it is impossible for them to impact decisions about water, and that their voice does not count.

UC Cooperative Extension believes that citizens should have a voice in water decision-making. Our academics are neutral and objective professionals that are committed to the idea that people need to come together to reason and talk — to deliberate about common problems. Indeed, democracy requires an ongoing deliberative public dialogue.

The Community Water Conversations Project provides an example of a new type of forum for public participation and learning about water issues. The ultimate objective of the project is to share citizen views with policy makers, legislators, and local stakeholders to increase their understanding of public knowledge and perceptions about water in California.