Southwest States and Pacific Islands Regional Water Quality Program
The Southwest States and Pacific Islands Regional Water Quality Program supported a team assessment of current water quality programs and program themes developed to meet the needs of clientele across the Pacific Islands. A 38-question survey assessed public attitudes about water issues in the Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, and American Samoa. The significant findings include: (1) drinking water is the highest priority water issue; (2) there is a strong perception that drinking water is not suitable in its current state; (3) the satisfaction levels of water quality associated with beaches, shorelines, and coastal waters vary across the Pacific Islands; (4) water quantity concerns are island specific; and (5) erosion, urban wastes, land clearing, and septic systems/cesspools are the most common water quality challenges. Survey results also indicated that some water quality issues are unique to certain islands, and that educational programs should be developed to meet these specific needs.
The Southwest States and Pacific Islands Regional Water Quality Program is funded through a competitive grant from the CSREES National Integrated Water Program.
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