Preparing for local adaptation: A study of community understanding and support
Climatic Change
Gabrielle Wong-Parodi1,* and Kelly Klima2
1Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
2Rand Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
*Corresponding author: Address: Department of Engineering and Public Policy, 129 Baker Hall, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Email: ; Phone: 412-268-2670
Online resource description
Complete paper version of the Stormwater Survey distributed to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority customers. This version of the survey was for those participants randomly assigned to the $15 condition, and where they saw gray information questions before green infrastructure questions.
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CMU/GYGR15
STORMWATER SURVEY
Thank you for participating in this Carnegie Mellon University research study asking you about stormwater in Pittsburgh. We will also ask you some questions about yourself. Please answer to the best of your ability.
Your thoughts are important to us. Please do your best to answer each question. If you absolutely have no idea at all or feel uncomfortable answering a question, you can skip it.
It should take about 5 minutes to complete the survey.
There are several parts in the survey. Each part is different, so read the directions carefully before answering each question or rating each statement. Feel free to contact usat ith any questions at any time.
FAQs
What is the Stormwater Survey?
- This survey is designed to find out how much knowledge City of Pittsburgh residents have regarding stormwater and how it affects our region.
- The survey was designed in collaboration with CMU for research purposed only.
- The information received will help PWSA to tailor its education and outreach of stormwater issues.
Do I have to complete the survey?
- No, it is entirely voluntary to fill out the survey, but if you do, you will receive a $5 credit on your bill (please allow 45 days for credit to appear)
What will you do with the information collected?
- CMU and PWSA will compile the results and formulate an education program consisting of printed materials, community meetings, and info posted on our website.
This activity is part of a research study conducted by Kelly Klima, Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, and Nichole Argo at Carnegie Mellon University. The purpose of this study is understand flood risk perceptions in Pittsburgh.
Procedures
You will be asked about flood risk and adaptation strategies in Pittsburgh. Then, you will be asked some demographic questions. This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Participant Requirements
Participation in this study is limited to individuals age 18 and older and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority customers.
Risks
The primary risk is a breach of confidentiality. Although steps will be taken to minimize this risk by assigning a code to the survey, there is a chance that participants may be identified through other demographic points. There is also a chance that you could become tired or bored during the study, however it should take about 5-10 minutes and so these risks are minimized.
Benefits
The personal benefit from your participation in the study is that you may learn storm water and storm water management in Pittsburgh. The indirect benefit is that PWSA and similar organizations will gain insight into how to engage with the public on flooding risk and adaptation strategies in urban areas for better infrastructure management and planning.
Compensation & Costs
You will receive a $5 credit on your PWSA utility bill.
There will be no cost to you if you participate in this survey.
Confidentiality
By participating in this research, you understand and agree that Carnegie Mellon may be required to disclose your consent, data and other personally identifiable information as required by law, regulation, subpoena or court order. Otherwise, your confidentiality will be maintained in the following manner: (a) to the fullest extent possible, all identifiable information will be separated from your survey.
By participating, you understand and agree that the data and information gathered during this study may be used by Carnegie Mellon and published and/or disclosed by Carnegie Mellon to others outside of Carnegie Mellon.
Right to Ask Questions & Contact Information
If you have any questions about this study, you should feel free to ask them by contacting the Principal Investigator, Kelly Klima, Engineering and Public Policy, 254C Posner Hall, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, (412) 268-3705, . If you have questions later, desire additional information, or wish to withdraw your participation please contact the Principal Investigator by mail, phone or e-mail in accordance with the contact information listed above.
If you have questions pertaining to your rights as a research participant; or to report objections to this study, you should contact the Research Regulatory Compliance Office at Carnegie Mellon University. Email:. Phone: 412-268-1901 or 412-268-5460.
Voluntary Participation
Your participation in this research is voluntary. You may discontinue participation at any time during the research activity.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Indicate your agreement with the following statements about stormwater runoff in Pittsburgh, where 1=completely disagree and 7=completely agree.
1. Stormwater has a negative effect on where I live.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
2. Stormwater is adequately handled by the current infrastructure.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
3. Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) treats stormwater.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
4. Stormwater is surface water resulting from heavy rain or snow.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
5. Stormwater is a problem in low-lying areas.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
6. Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) treats stormwater.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
7. Stormwater contributes to river flooding.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
8. Stormwater pollutes our rivers.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
SIGNIFICANT STORMWATER RUNOFF EVENTS
A significant stormwater runoff event:
- Is caused by 1 inch of rainwater in one hour.
- Happens every two years.
- Results in sewer overflows, basement backups and street flooding.
How do you think the chances of a significant stormwater runoff event are changing over time?
(1=going up, 2=going down, 3=staying about the same, 4=I don’t know) (Please check one)
Going up
Going down
Staying about the same
I don’t know
When you think about the chances of a major stormwater runoff event happening here in the next 30 years, which of the following City-wide characteristics worries you? Please check all that apply.
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CMU/GYGR15
How big the storm is
How often storms happen
City development
Building standards
Sewer infrastructure
Climate change
Other _____
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MANAGING STORMWATER RUNOFF
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Suppose a dedicated funding source was available to manage significant stormwater runoff and improve water quality in Pittsburgh. If this would cost your household $15 every year, would you be in favor of it? (Please check one)
Yes
No
GRAY INFRASTRUCTURE
Grayinfrastructure is a way to manage stormwater. It uses pipes and sewers to move stormwater away from urban areas to nearby bodies of water. Examples include underground pipes, sewers, and a wastewater treatment plant.
Suppose a dedicated funding source was available to pay for the installation of gray infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality in Pittsburgh. If this would cost your household $15 every year, would you be in favor of it? (Please check one)
Yes
No
Please rate your agreement with the following statements about green infrastructure,where1=completely disagree and 7=completely agree.
1. Local experts know how to do gray infrastructure.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
2. Gray infrastructure is an effective way to reduce stormwater.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
3. Gray infrastructure is expensive.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
4. Gray infrastructure is a way to manage stormwater that protects or restores nature.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
5. Gray infrastructure is a way to manage stormwater that uses pipes and sewers.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
6. Gray infrastructure will improve our economy.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
7. Gray infrastructure is attractive.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
8. Gray infrastructure will reduce the effects of climate change.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Green infrastructure is a way to manage stormwater. It mimics nature by soaking up and storing water in vegetation, soils, and natural processes. Examples include yards, rain barrels, and roads that allow water to seep through them.
Suppose a dedicated funding source was available to pay for the installation of green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality in Pittsburgh. If this would cost your household $15 every year, would you be in favor of it? (Please check one)
Yes
No
Please rate your agreement with the following statements about green infrastructure,where1=completely disagree and 7=completely agree.
1. Green infrastructure will reduce the effects of climate change.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
2. Green infrastructure is an effective way to reduce stormwater.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
3. Green infrastructure is a way to manage stormwater that uses pipes and sewers.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
4. Green infrastructure is attractive.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
5. Green infrastructure will improve our economy.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
6. Local experts know how to do green infrastructure.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
7. Green infrastructure is expensive.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
8. Green infrastructure is a way to manage stormwater that protects or restores nature.
Completely disagree / Completely agree1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
DEMOGRAPHICS
- Think back to your experiences with any significant stormwater runoff events that occurred in Pittsburgh due to stormwater runoff. Please check all of the statements that apply to your experience with these events.
I was there when an event occurred.
I was there soon afterward.
I was in Pittsburgh but was not directly exposed.
I watched it live on TV.
I listened to it live on the radio.
I followed it live on twitter and other social media.
Someone close to me was directly affected.
- What is your sex? (Please check on)
Male
Female
Prefer not to answer
- What is your age? (Please enter a number) ______years old
Prefer not to answer
- Would you describe yourself as: (Please mark all that apply)
American Indian/Native American
Asian
Black/African American
Hispanic/Latino
White/Caucasian
Other
Prefer not to answer
- Do you consider yourself to be: (Please check one)
Democrat
Republican
Independent
Other (please specify): ______
Prefer not to answer
- What is the highest level of education you have completed? (Please check one)
Less than high school
High School/GED
Some college
2 year college degree (Associates)
4 year college degree (BA, BS)
Masters
Doctoral (PhD) or Professional (MD, JD)
Prefer not to answer
- What is your zip code? ______
Prefer not to answer
- What is your annual household income ($)? (Please check one)
0-15k
16-30k
31-50k
51-75k
76-100k
101-125k
126-150k
151-175k
176k+
Prefer not to answer
- Where do you learn about events or news happening in your community? (Please check all that apply)
TV
Social media
Newspaper
Radio
Internet
Cellphone/apps
Work
Friends and Family
School
Other (please specify): ______
Prefer not to answer
- Please leave any final comments about the survey below.
BILL CREDIT
Thank you for filling out the survey! As a thank you, PWSA is offering a $5 bill credit. If you would like this bill credit, please provide your PWSA Account Number. Your number is located in two places on your PWSA Bill, and circled on the sample bill below. There is a maximum of one $5 credit per account number, and please allow 45 days for the bill credit to appear. Please double check your Customer number below; if you list it incorrectly, you will not get credit.
Your Account Number: ______
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