Abstracts of presentations given in session 7 of the 2008 UCOWR Conference.


The southeastern drought has prompted regular media coverage, policy proclamations, and mandatory changes in water use for many communities. While the public is encountering the news and in some cases feeling the effects of water restrictions, there is little evidence that they well understand the connections between hydrological realities and policies regarding water resources. An example of this is the increasing number of requests for well-drilling permits as a way to tap “new” water in some communities. To begin to address this gap in public understanding, MountainKeepers, a non-profit organization based in Boone, NC, has partnered with students and faculty at Appalachian State University to develop community-based water education materials.