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Connect 2 - What is Water Literacy and Where is Canning At?

‘Water literacy’ is knowledge about water sources, water management and water-related issues. Only 13% of people in WA are considered to be “water literate" - i.e they have a good understanding of the water cycle and water related issues affecting Perth.

How does Water Literacy Lead to a Water Sensitive Canning?

Improved water literacy equals a greater understanding and involvement in the planning, ownership and management of water related assets (both natural and built). This will also strengthen understanding about how water creates a greener, cooler and more pleasant place to live and work.

Research shows that water-related knowledge improves people’s attitudes and behaviours towards water. This can result in:

support for alternative water sources
support for raingardens
use of everyday water-saving strategies
uptake of water-saving devices
pollution-reduction behaviours

So What Do/Don't People Know?

The Perth community is most interested in dam levels and people generally know what they are paying for the supply of water. However, awareness and knowledge about drainage (where water goes when it leaves our home) and alternative water sources is poor. In general, the community is not sure who manages their water or what they pay for outside of water supply.

Some other key areas of low water literacy include:

An understanding of how groundwater fits into the water cycle – there can be an assumption that groundwater is an infinite and never-ending resource that can be tapped into whenever you need extra water.
Wastewater treatment – not many people realise that wastewater, such as stormwater runoff, is not treated and flows straight into the nearest water bodies, along with any pollutants and litter that the water has picked up along the way.
Connection between water and green space – people understand that they need to reduce the amount of water they use, but still expect to see lush, green parks and ovals.

Who and What are We Working With in Canning?

Surveys of locals suggest people in canning feel a strong connection with our Canning River. People can enjoy the river and green spaces near it. It's a great space that brings people together. But those people don't feel as connected to other green spaces like parks wetlands and bush land in the city.

Connection with water depends on the distance a person lives from a waterway. People who live close to a river or wetlands are better connected and value water. They probably see water in nature more often and think about water more than most people in our community who do not live close to the river are not as well connected.

So how do we help people connect to water when they don't see it and enjoy it as often?

So far the City is doing some education work through schools and sustainability education centres. The theme of water is a voluntary part of WA school curriculum. The City of Canning, supports the Canning River Eco Education Centre (CREEC) which provides education materials and programs to the community. These help raise awareness and influence a change in behaviour for the health of local environment.

Canning's Vision As A Water Sensitive City

Being the awesome and sustainable council we are doing lots as custodians of water. We have been recognised by the Water Corporation as a GOLD Waterwise Council. The City of Canning has been working on a Vision as a Water Sensitive City. The first part relates water literacy and our community's connection with water.

"People of all cultures understand their impact on the water cycle, respect water’s intrinsic value and feel part of the city’s evolving water story."

Check out the rest of the vision below:

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