Hi all, As climate change increases extreme weather events and as urbanization creates more impermeable surfaces resulting in stormwater runoff, there is a growing need for urban infrastructure that reduces the risk of flooding. Household-level stormwater management may contribute to decreasing runoff into existing systems in a much more cost-effective way than large infrastructure projects. However, homeowners do not often wish to adopt these measures without knowing the benefits and having had direct experience with flooding. Researchers at the University of Waterloo examined ways to encourage homeowners in Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada to adopt pro-environmental stormwater management behaviors, such as installing rain barrels, laying down permeable pavement, or regrading the land to slope away from the home. The RAIN Home Visit (RHV) program was used as a research case study. Residential surveys (n=23) and in-depth interviews (n=23) were conducted to identify perceived barriers and benefits. Participants were asked what the potential benefits would be if their household adopted better stormwater management behaviors. Here are the results:
As you can see, the most common benefit listed was stress relief from flooding, followed by financial benefits and protection (Figure 1).
In terms of barriers for homeowners to adopt better stormwater management behaviors on their property, the top responses by far were cost and perceived lack of knowledge (Figure 2). Participants stated that funding, education, and examples of successful projects would help overcome these barriers. Participants were also asked what they perceived the benefits to be of the RHV program. This was not clear to everyone, with some people being overwhelmed by the amount of information shared, while others felt it was not enough. The researchers believe that with a stormwater management home visit program like RHV, it would be best to outline the benefits of participation to homeowners and then detail property-specific recommendations, leaving them with relevant information for their property. Also, some CBSM strategies were used in the RHV program (communication, social diffusion, incentives), while others were not (commitments, social norms). Finally, although a stormwater tax credit existed as part of the program, the application process and rebate amount were disincentives to many potential participants. Critically, the incentive was insufficient to motivate homeowners to adopt stormwater management behaviors. Future iterations of the program might consider a higher rebate amount, a formal public commitment or recognition system, and more regular follow-up with homeowners. To read more about the RHV program and the use of CBSM and/or to read the study, click here.
As you can see, the most common benefit listed was stress relief from flooding, followed by financial benefits and protection (Figure 1).
In terms of barriers for homeowners to adopt better stormwater management behaviors on their property, the top responses by far were cost and perceived lack of knowledge (Figure 2). Participants stated that funding, education, and examples of successful projects would help overcome these barriers. Participants were also asked what they perceived the benefits to be of the RHV program. This was not clear to everyone, with some people being overwhelmed by the amount of information shared, while others felt it was not enough. The researchers believe that with a stormwater management home visit program like RHV, it would be best to outline the benefits of participation to homeowners and then detail property-specific recommendations, leaving them with relevant information for their property. Also, some CBSM strategies were used in the RHV program (communication, social diffusion, incentives), while others were not (commitments, social norms). Finally, although a stormwater tax credit existed as part of the program, the application process and rebate amount were disincentives to many potential participants. Critically, the incentive was insufficient to motivate homeowners to adopt stormwater management behaviors. Future iterations of the program might consider a higher rebate amount, a formal public commitment or recognition system, and more regular follow-up with homeowners. To read more about the RHV program and the use of CBSM and/or to read the study, click here.
