Groundwater Citizenship: Well Owners, Environmentalism, and the Depletion of the High Plains Aquifer

Groundwater Citizenship: Well Owners, Environmentalism, and the Depletion of the High Plains Aquifer investigates water conservation efforts, environmental priorities, and water supply awareness among private water well owners in Kansas, revealing how well ownership influences water consumption and how Kansans' notions of environmentalism are recalibrated by their systems of water provision.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In Kansas, a state known for its vast agricultural land, the depletion of groundwater has been a longstanding concern. Over time, areas of the High Plains aquifer, a vital source of water for the region, have experienced significant decline. This has raised concerns about the sustainability of water resources and the future of agriculture in the state.

Groundwater Citizenship: Well Owners, Environmentalism, and the Depletion of the High Plains Aquifer is a book that delves into the issue of water conservation efforts, environmental priorities, and water supply awareness among private water well owners, a key social group whose water usage is pivotal in safeguarding aquifers. The author, sociologist Brock Ternes, aims to explore how reliance on private and public water supplies influences watering practices and how water supplies shape environmental actions and beliefs.

To conduct his research, Ternes constructed a unique dataset by surveying over 850 well owners and non-well owners throughout Kansas. His analyses reveal that well ownership influences several dimensions of water consumption, and he identifies how Kansans' notions of environmentalism are recalibrated by their systems of water provision.

One of the key findings of the book is that well owners are often portrayed as unique conservationists whose water use is shaped by larger structures such as aquifers, water laws, and food systems. Ternes argues that well owners play a crucial role in managing water resources and that their actions can have a significant impact on the sustainability of the aquifer and the broader environment.

The book also highlights the challenges faced by private water well owners in managing their water resources. Many well owners rely on groundwater for their drinking water, and the depletion of the aquifer has put pressure on their supplies. Additionally, well owners are often responsible for maintaining and operating their wells, which can be costly and time-consuming.

To address these challenges, the book proposes several adaptive approaches to sustainable resource management. One of these approaches is the promotion of water conservation practices among well owners, including the use of drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and other water-efficient technologies. Ternes also suggests that policymakers and water management agencies work with well owners to develop sustainable water management strategies that balance the needs of agriculture, industry, and residential water users.

Groundwater Citizenship takes a sociological look at water systems to facilitate adaptive approaches to sustainable resource management. The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among different stakeholders, including well owners, policymakers, and environmentalists, in order to develop effective solutions to water-related challenges.

In conclusion, the depletion of groundwater has been a significant concern in Kansas, and Groundwater Citizenship: Well Owners, Environmentalism, and the Depletion of the High Plains Aquifer provides valuable insights into the issue of water conservation efforts, environmental priorities, and water supply awareness among private water well owners. The book highlights the role of well owners as unique conservationists and proposes adaptive approaches to sustainable resource management that balance the needs of different stakeholders. By promoting water conservation practices and working together to develop sustainable water management strategies, we can help ensure the long-term sustainability of our water resources and the well-being of our communities.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666903461