A recent study led by Saboor Rahmany, Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) program specialist, explores the role of digital communication strategies used by groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) in increasing public engagement in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Texas.
To evaluate the inclusiveness of digital communication, the study, coauthored by Allen Berthold, Ph.D., TWRI Associate Director, Kim Dooley, Ph.D., Texas A&M University professor emerita, and Emmanuel Chisom Okolo, Texas A&M University doctoral candidate, developed a conceptual framework that integrates content, accessibility and interactivity.
“This research bridges science policy and communication engagement,” Rahmany said. “We highlight the importance of water resources, especially in Texas, and how the depleting resources should be communicated strategically with citizens.”
How groundwater conservation districts use digital communication
The study found that content quality, accessibility and inclusivity of digital communication varied between groundwater conservation districts. They also found that while all of the four studied GCDs have a website, the use of digital tools varies.
The study found variations in update frequency and that some GCDs have out-of-date documents, which can create a burden, requiring users to dedicate extra time and resources to finding an answer, according to Rahmany.
The study also observed variations in language accessibility. Of the four GCDs that they analyzed, only one had some documents available in Spanish. They found that GCDs also vary in their inclusion of online educational programs, such as videos, classes and courses.
“One GCD highlights that there is a need for education, but that’s all. Then another one not only thinks about importance but shows it in practice and makes it accessible,” Rahmany said.
The importance of online communication
Many online resources are not reliable, so residents have to search for information that they trust. Because GCDs are managed by people living in the area, they are a trusted source, Rahmany said.
“Digital tools and websites play an important role in communication. So, it requires entities, agencies, and organizations to use more digital tools to communicate with their audiences, especially with important topics like water,” he said.
There is also a need for documents that are accessible to people who speak different languages. Approximately 28.2% of Texans speak Spanish at home and 40.2% of Texas’s population is of Hispanic or Latino origin, but this fact often isn’t reflected in resource accessibility.
“Every organization is thinking of their own goals. For groundwater conservation districts, their goal is to conserve groundwater,” Rahmany said. “How do you conserve water if you cannot reach your audience? For environmental and sustainability goals, we need to think about how we include those people. To include them, we need to talk in their language.”
Improving digital communication
One goal of this study was to give GCDs a look into the bigger picture and direction for improvement of digital communication. Rahmany said the goal of the study was to provide useful analysis to GCDs and agencies.
The study found a need for more interactive, user-centered, and language-accessible digital tools. They recommend that GCD websites use simple language and be user-friendly, particularly for mobile access.
They also recommend the use of visualizations, such as maps and dashboards, to increase understanding and ease of access, and multiple forms of communication, including multiple social media platforms.
