Water_Conservation_Survey_Report_Final

Cochise College
Center for Economic Research
Water Conservation Survey
June 20, 2006
Prepared by:
Robert Carreira
Director, Center for Economic Research
Cochise College
901 North Colombo Avenue
Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635
Table of Contents
Executive Summary (iii)
Introduction (1)
About the Sample (1)
Stratification (1)
Race (1)
Age (2)
Longevity of Residence (2)
Narrative Results (3)
Detailed Tabulated and Graphical Results (7)
Executive Summary
This report provides the results of a water conservation survey conducted by the Cochise College Center for Economic Research in May and June 2006. The survey included a stratified random sample of 400 Cochise County residents to ensure proportional representation of all areas of the county. The survey utilized a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus 5%.
The survey indicated that nearly three-quarters of Cochise County residents believed the preservation of the San Pedro River would impact whether Fort Huachuca remains open in the future. Nearly three-quarters of those polled indicated they would be more willing to protect the U.S. side of the San Pedro River if Mexico were to increase its protection of their side.
Residents were opposed to property tax increases to provide incentives to homeowners and builders to install water-saving fixtures, with about 65% opposed and 35% in favor. Of 10 agree-disagree questions, above-average levels of strong disagreement were seen in proposals to pass ordinances that limit water use by targeting the washing of vehicles, the installation of evaporative coolers in new homes, the prohibition of residential lawns, and the limiting of new single-family residential development. Interestingly, limiting new single-family residential development, while it accounted for above average strong disagreement, also accounted for above average strong agreement, indicating the strong polarization of this issue. Although residents were generally opposed to raising taxes or passing ordinances to limit water use, they were overwhelmingly willing to pay 50% more for a new washing machine that uses 50% less water, if they were shopping for a new washing machine; 82.2% of respondents indicated such willingness.
Residents were nearly split over whether their own personal water use impacts the future survivability of Fort Huachuca, with a slight majority (51.3%) believing their own water use would have such an impact. With regard to the preservation of the San Pedro River, a majority (56.2%) believed their own personal water use does not impact the survivability of the river.
Residents were nearly split with regard to whether the federal government’s declaration of the San Pedro River as a critical habitat for endangered species would restrain population growth in the area; a slight majority of 51.1% believed the declaration would not curtail growth.
An interesting characteristic of survey responses was the high level of uncertainty or noncommittal responses. On a series of 10 agree-disagree questions with topics ranging from the effectiveness of local officials in setting policy, the effectiveness of water conservation efforts, and policy proposals to help conserve water, an average of nearly one-third of respondents were uncertain or apathetic in their views, choosing to neither agree nor disagree with the series of statements posed. The highest levels of uncertainty or apathy were associated with the course of action local elected officials should take
iv with regard to new ordinances to conserve water and a more active role for the government in educating citizens about water conservation.
In evaluating policies and progress in water conservation, Fort Huachuca received high marks. Of all 10 agree-disagree questions, the highest levels of strong agreement were that Fort Huachuca has set good water conservation policies and has made progress in conserving water. A majority of residents were also pleased with policies and progress made by Cochise County and Sierra Vista.
Residents overwhelmingly viewed the survival of both Fort Huachuca and the San Pedro River as important. Nearly 90% of those polled believed it would be best if the number of personnel on Fort Huachuca stays the same or continues to grow. More than half of those surveyed thought it would be best if the fort continues to grow.
While residents were generally noncommittal or opposed to having elected officials set up a public information office to educate citizens on water conservation, a majority were in favor of forming a lo cal agency to control and manage the San Pedro Valley’s water assets.
INTRODUCTION
In May and June 2006, the Cochise College Center for Economic Research conducted a telephone survey of 400 Cochise County residents to determine their views on various water conservation topics. The sample size produces a 95% confidence level, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5%. The surveys were administered at random days and times over a 3-week period, between the hours of 8am and 8pm. The survey was sponsored by the Sierra Vista Herald.
About the Sample
Stratification
The survey utilized a stratified random sample to ensure proportional representation from all areas of Cochise County. Stratification of the sample is shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1: STRATIFICATION OF THE SAMPLE
Area
Percent of Population/Sample
Benson/St. David 12.1% Bisbee (including Miracle Valley, Naco, Palominas, and Warren) 9.8% Bonita 0.6% Bowie 0.6% Cascabel 0.6% Douglas (including Pirtleville and Sunnyside) 10.4% Elfrida 2.3% Pearce/Sunsites (including Richland Ranchettes) 2.9% Portal 1.2% San Simon 0.6% Sierra Vista (including Fry, Hereford, Fort Huachuca, Huachuca
City, and Whetstone)
48.0% Sunizona 1.2% Tombstone 2.9% Willcox 6.9%
Race
Table 2 shows a comparison of survey respondents to the overall racial distribution of Cochise County as of Census 2000.
TABLE 2: COMPARISON OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS TO COCHISE COUNTY RESIDENTS BY RACE
Survey Respondents Cochise County
Residents*
White 62.6% 76.7% Black or African American 13.5% 4.5% American Indian or Alaska Native 3.4% 1.1% Asian 2.3% 1.6% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1.0% 0.3% Other** 17.1% 15.8% * As of Census 2000
** Includes two or more races combined
Age
The median age of survey respondents was 39 years old. This compares to a countywide median age of 36.9 years as of Census 2000. The average age of survey respondents was 41.7 years.
Longevity of Residence
The median length of residency in Cochise County for survey respondents was 12 years. The average length of residency was 15.1 years.
Narrative Results
Survey respondents were asked whether they believed the preservation of the San Pedro River had an impact on whether Fort Huachuca will remain open in the future. A total of 74.6% of those polled responded that they believed the preservation of the San Pedro River had an impact on whether Fort Huachuca will remain open, while 25.4% responded they did not believe this to be true.
Respondents were asked, “If Mexico were to increase its efforts to protect the San Pedro River south of the U.S. border, would this increase your willingness to protect the river on the U.S. side? A total of 73.7% of those polled responded that they would be more willing to protect the U.S. side of the river if Mexico were to increase its efforts to protect its side, while 26.3% responded that increased efforts by Mexico would not increase their own willingness to protect the U.S. side of the river.
Those responding to the survey were asked whether they would support an increase in property taxes to provide incentives to homeowners to install water-saving devices in their homes. A total of 65.2% of those polled were opposed to a property tax increase for this purpose, with 34.8% in favor.
Survey respondents were asked whether they would support an increase in property taxes to provide incentives to homebuilders to install water-saving devices in the homes they build. A total of 63.3% of those polled were opposed to a property tax increase for this purpose, with 36.7% in favor.
Respondents were asked whether they believed their own personal water use impacts whether Fort Huachuca will remain open in the future. A total of 51.3% believed their own water use did impact whether Fort Huachuca would remain open, while 48.7% believed their own personal water use did not have an impact on whether the fort would remain open.
Those responding to the survey were asked whether they believed the federal government’s declaration of parts of the San Pedro River as critical habitat for endangered species would eventually hold back population growth in the area. A narrow majority (51.1%) did not think the declaration would hold back growth, while 48.9% believed the declaration would curtail growth.
Survey respondents were asked whether they would be willing to pay 50% more for a new washing machine that uses 50% less water, if they were looking to purchase a new washing machine. An overwhelming majority of respondents (82.2%) indicated they would be willing to pay the extra money, while 17.8% indicated they would not. Those polled were asked whether they believed their own personal water use impacts the preservation of the San Pedro River. A majority (56.2%) did not believe their own personal water use impacted the river, while 43.8% believed it did.
Survey respondents were asked whether they agreed Cochise County elected officials have set good public policy in addressing water issues. A slight majority (50.5%) indicated they either agreed or strongly agreed that Cochise County elected officials have set good public policy in addressing water issues. A total of 22.6% disagreed or strongly disagreed that county elected officials have set good public policy in addressing water issues. A total of 26.9% neither agreed nor disagreed.
Respondents were asked whether Sierra Vista has made progress in water conservation. Fifty-one percent indicated they either agreed or strongly agreed that Sierra Vista has made progress. A total of 22.1% disagreed or strongly disagreed that Sierra Vista has made progress. A total of 26.9% neither agreed nor disagreed.
Respondents were asked whether they agreed that Fort Huachuca officials have set good public policy in addressing water issues. A total of 49.7% of those polled either agreed or strongly agreed the fort officials have set good policies, while 15.3% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. A total of 34.9% of survey respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the second-highest level of strong agreement, with 19.8% of respondents indicating they strongly agreed the fort has set good policies in addressing water issues.
Survey respondents were asked whether they agreed that Fort Huachuca has made progress in water conservation. A total of 50.9% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the fort has made progress, while 14.6% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. A total of 34.5% neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the highest level of strong agreement, with 20.7% of respondents indicating they strongly agreed the fort has made progress in water conservation.
Those polled were asked whether they agreed that the business community is interested in protecting the San Pedro River. A total of 37.7% agreed or strongly agreed the business community was interested in protecting the river, while 22.4% disagreed or strongly disagreed. A total of 39.8% neither agreed nor disagreed.
Residents were asked whether they agreed that elected officials should pass ordinances that prohibit all grass in residential yards in order to conserve water. A total of 28.2% agreed or strongly agreed that such ordinances should be passed, while 24.2% disagreed or strongly disagreed. Nearly half of the total survey respondents (47.6%) neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the highest number of respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed, indicating a high level of uncertainty.
Survey respondents were asked whether they agreed that, to conserve water, elected officials should pass ordinances that limit the number of single family homes that can be built each year. A total of 31.4% of those responding to the survey either agreed or strongly agreed that such ordinances should be passed, while 22.9% indicated they disagreed or strongly disagreed. A total of 45.7% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the third-highest
level of strong agreement, with 10.4% of those polled indicating they strongly agreed that officials should pass ordinances that limit the number of single family homes that can be built each year. However, this question also revealed the second-highest number of respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed, indicating a strong degree of uncertainty on this issue.
Respondents were asked whether they agreed that, to conserve water, elected officials should pass ordinances that prohibit evaporative coolers in all new construction. A total of 40.5% disagreed or strongly disagreed that such ordinances should be passed, while 21.4% agreed or strongly agreed with the need for such ordinances. A total of 38% indicated they neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the third-highest level of strong disagreement, with 12.3% of respondents indicating they strongly disagreed that elected officials should pass ordinances that prohibit evaporative coolers in all new construction.
Those polled were asked whether they agreed that, to conserve water, elected officials should pass ordinances that prohibit the washing of all vehicles except at those facilities that recycle water. A total of 39.6% of respondents indicated they either disagreed or strongly disagreed that such ordinances should be passed, while 21.4% either agreed or strongly agreed that such ordinances should be passed. A total of 39% of those polled neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the second-highest level of strong disagreement, with 13.4% of respondents indicating they strongly disagreed that elected officials should pass ordinances that prohibit the washing of all vehicles except at those facilities that recycle water.
Residents were asked whether elected officials should establish a public information office to disseminate information and educate citizens about water conservation. A total of 32.4% of respondents indicated they disagreed or strongly disagreed that such an office should be established, while 23.8% agreed or strongly agreed with the establishment of a public information office. A total of 43.7% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the 10 agree-disagree questions, this question revealed the highest level of strong disagreement, with 14.7% of respondents indicating they strongly disagreed that elected officials should establish a public information office to disseminate information and educate citizens about water conservation. However, this question also revealed the third-highest number of respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed. Survey respondents were asked how important it is to them that the San Pedro River continues to have water running in its banks year-round. A total of 79.4% of those polled indicated it was important or very important, while only 3.5% viewed it as either unimportant or of little importance. A total of 17.1% viewed it as moderately important. Survey respondents were asked how important it is to them that Fort Huachuca remains open. A total of 81.4% of respondents viewed Fort Huachuca remaining open as important or very important, while only 4.6% viewed it as unimportant or of little importance. A total of 14.1% viewed it as moderately important.
Respondents were asked if it would be best if the number of personnel on Fort Huachuca continues to grow, stays the same, or decreases. Fifty-five percent of those polled thought it best that Fort Huachuca continues to grow, 34.9% indicated it would be best if the number of personnel remains the same, and 10.2% thought it best that the number of personnel on Fort Huachuca decreases.
Residents were asked whether they would favor the formation of a local agency to control and manage the San Pedro V alley’s water assets. Fifty-one percent indicated they were in favor or strongly in favor of the establishment of such an agency, while 16.7% were opposed or strongly opposed. A total of 32.2% of respondents neither favored nor opposed the formation of such an agency.
Detailed Tabulated and Graphical Results
1. Do you think the preservation of the San Pedro River has an impact on whether Fort Huachuca will remain open in the future?
2. If Mexico were to increase its efforts to protect the San Pedro River south of the U.S. border, would this increase your willingness to protect the river on the U.S. side?
3. Would you support an increase in property taxes to provide incentives to home owners to install water-saving devices in their homes?
4. Would you support an increase in property taxes to provide incentives to homebuilders to install water-saving devices in the homes they build?
5. Do you believe your personal water use impacts whether Fort Huachuca will remain open in the future?
6. The federal government has declared parts of the San Pedro River as critical habitat for endangered species. Do you think this will eventually hold back population growth in the area?
7. If you were looking to purchase a new washing machine, would you be willing to pay 50% more for one that uses 50% less water?
8. Do you believe your personal water use impacts the preservation of the San Pedro River?
9. Cochise County elected officials have set good public policy in addressing water issues.
10. Sierra Vista has made progress in water conservation.
11. Fort Huachuca officials have set good public policy in addressing water issues.
12. Fort Huachuca has made progress in water conservation.
13. The business community is interested in protecting the San Pedro River.
14. To conserve water, elected officials should pass ordinances that prohibit all grass in residential yards.
single family homes that can be built each year.
coolers in all new construction.
of all vehicles except at those facilities that recycle water.
18. Elected officials should establish a public information office to disseminate information and educate citizens about water conservation.
19. How important is it to you that the San Pedro River continues to have water running in its banks year-round?
20. How important is it to you that Fort Huachuca remains open?
21. It would be best if the number of personnel on Fort Huachuca:
22. How do you feel about the formation of a local agency to control and manage the San Pedro Valley’s water assets?
23. What is your race?
24. What is your age?
25. How many years have you resided in Cochise County?。