What's your attitude towards water conservation?

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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PUC and NORDIK Institute partner on water conservation study

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Public Utilities Commission of the City of Sault Ste. Marie (PUC) has recently partnered with NORDIK Institute at Algoma University to determine city residents' attitudes towards water conservation.

The study will include surveys, focus groups and public information sessions and is funded by the 'Greening Ontario' fund, a provincial initiative.

"In order for the Public Utilities Commission to promote practical and effective water conservation measures in our community we must know how water is currently being used by consumers," said PUC President Brian Curran. "We need to know how efficient current water devices and appliances are in the home and we need to understand whether consumers are willing to take action to reduce their water consumption."

Data collected in the survey will provide a base-line understanding of attitudes and water use.

"Water conservation is of increasing concern around the world," stated NORDIK Research Director, Dr. Gayle Broad. "And many people would like to decrease their 'environmental footprint' but aren't certain how to go about that. We believe that this research will help local residents understand the beneficial impact of simple small changes in their home."

Those changes include such items as rainwater use for gardening, and use of newer appliances that have adopted conservation standards.

The survey, which will take only about 10 minutes to complete, will be distributed to every household in Sault Ste. Marie over the next few weeks via an information package contained in their PUC invoice, with a goal of survey completion by mid-March.

NORDIK research assistants will be collecting the data to ensure anonymity of research participants.

Participants may complete the survey either online, by requesting a paper copy from NORDIK, or alternatively by telephone.

For a paper or telephone survey please contact Victoria Thomas at 705-949-2301 ext. 4357 or Ian Brodie at 705-949-2301 ext. 4370.

About NORDIK

NORDIK is a community-based research institute affiliated with Algoma University.

Its mandate is to advance regional and Indigenous development through research, dialogue, analysis and action, and to contribute to building Northern Ontario's research capacity.

Recent research by NORDIK include an outdoor air quality study, a study on locally-grown food, and an action research project on promoting culture and craft as an economic driver across the North.

About Algoma University

Algoma University is committed to offering an undergraduate education experience unlike any university in Ontario, offering a wide variety of program options.

Algoma University also offers accelerated diploma-to-degree programs in Business Administration in Brampton, and two degrees, including a Bachelor of Social Work, in Timmins.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

To learn more about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.  

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