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DELAWARE RESIDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD AND BEHAVIORS THAT AFFECT WATER QUALITY
Conducted for the DelawareDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
by Responsive Management
November 2002
DELAWARE RESIDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD AND BEHAVIORS THAT AFFECT WATER QUALITY
November 2002
Responsive Management National OfficeMark Damian Duda, Executive Director
Peter E. De Michele, Ph.D., Director of ResearchCarol Zurawski, Research AssociateMartin Jones, Research AssociateJoy E. Yoder, Research Associate
William Testerman, Survey Center ManagerAlison Lanier, Business Manager
Steven J. Bissell, Ph.D., Qualitative Research AssociatePing Wang, Ph.D., Quantitative Research Associate
James B. Herrick, Ph.D., Research Associate
130 Franklin StreetHarrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540/432-1888 Fax: 540/432-1892E-mail: [email protected]
www.responsivemanagement.com
Acknowledgements
Responsive Management would like to thank Dr. Katherine Bunting-Howarth of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for her input, support, and
guidance on this project. Responsive Management would also like to thank all the Delaware residents who participated in the focus groups and telephone survey.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis study was conducted for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control (DNREC) to assess Delaware residents’ attitudes toward the environment and water
quality issues, as well as their behaviors that affect water quality. The study entailed five focus
groups conducted in Middletown, Wilmington, Dover, Lewes, and Delmar and a statewide
telephone survey of Delaware residents. The telephone survey sample included residents of
Delaware’s five regions (North New Castle County, South New Castle County, Kent County,
East Sussex County, and West Sussex County), and the data analyses considered the region in
which the respondent lived.
The telephone survey questionnaire was developed cooperatively by Responsive Management
and DNREC. Interviews were conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
Saturday noon to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all local time. A five-
callback design was used to maintain the representativeness of the sample, to avoid bias toward
people easy to reach by telephone, and to provide an equal opportunity for all to participate. A
total of 1,200 completed interviews were obtained.
The software used for data collection was Questionnaire Programming Language 4.1 (QPL).
The analyses of data were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
software. The results were weighted so that the proportions of the sample among the regions
matched their proportions within the state.
For this report, a nonparametric analysis examined how the various responses related to
demographic characteristics. Responses for selected questions were tested by means of z-scores
for relationships to demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, ethnicity, and the location
of the respondent’s residence. The analysis examined approximately 50 variables regarding
demographic characteristics of the respondents. A positive z-scores means that the response and
characteristic are positively related; a negative z-score means that the response and characteristic
are negatively related.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents ii
ENVIROMMENTAL HEALTH AND WATER QUALITY IN GENERAL
Delaware residents were split regarding the health of Delaware’s environment.
In the telephone survey, 45% overall said Delaware’s environment is somewhat or
very healthy, but 47% overall said it is somewhat or very unhealthy.
Delaware residents expressed great concern about water quality.
In the telephone survey, more respondents (46% overall) named water quality as one
of the most important natural resource or environmental issue than named any other
issue.
In the telephone survey, 81% of Delaware residents overall said that they were
somewhat or very concerned about water quality.
In the telephone survey, the top reasons that respondents were concerned about water
quality were the adverse impacts to drinking water; pollution in the water making it
taste and look bad; and the adverse impacts to their own health and the public’s
health.
In the focus groups, health and safety issues were among the top concerns for many
participants who engaged in environmentally conscious behaviors.
Focus group participant: Water quality has to be a high priority because we are drinking it.
Focus group participant: Water quality. Where I live the nitrates have been really high. We don’t have clean water to drink.
Focus group participant: I live near a lake, and we used to have a problem with nitrates in the water. I have a septic system. I had to go 340 feet deep for my well. Water quality is a big thing.
Focus group participants felt that the state does not always set a good example for the
public. For example, homeowners are encouraged to use less salt on their pavement
in winter, yet residents see the state using salt on the highways in large quantities.
Additionally, among focus group participants, concern for environmental issues
appeared to be generated by noticeable problems. For example, many focus group
participants became concerned about water quality only after noticing a chlorine
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents iii
smell in the tap water. Many individuals said that they pumped their septic system
only when it backed up, another noticeable result of poor maintenance.
Industry/chemical companies were considered to be one of the top polluters of
water, and homeowners were not considered as having a large impact on water
pollution.
In the telephone survey, 56% of respondents said that industry/chemical companies
are the largest polluters of water in Delaware, while homeowners/individuals were
named as the largest polluters of water in Delaware by only 10% of respondents.
In the telephone survey, only 6% of respondents said that homeowners/individuals
have a major impact on water pollution, and 47% said that homeowners/individuals
have a minor impact, while 44% said they have no impact.
When asked in the telephone survey who should do more to help improve water
quality, 51% said everyone, but the next largest percentages were of those who said
government (29%) or who said business/industry (21%). Residents were named by
only 15% of respondents.
In the focus groups, there was a general understanding that individual actions can
cause pollution, but the focus group participants overall felt that industry and large
corporations contribute more to water pollution than do individual homeowners. It
did not appear that people generally think about the effect of the collective actions of
homeowners on water quality.
Additionally, in the focus groups, many participants felt that industry and developers
are not being held to the same standard as homeowners are. They felt that the large
companies are allowed to get away with actions that should be prohibited. Therefore,
the attitude seemed to be: Why is the government coming after the state’s residents?
In general, the focus groups revealed a high level of concern for the environment
when the issues were in the abstract or in another individual’s or organization’s
realm. However, when the actions of personal homeowners were indicated as a
source of water pollution, most individuals in the focus groups became defensive and
initially sought to justify their actions or blame others. However, there was an
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents iv
underlying sense of guilt and acknowledgement that one’s own actions do indeed
contribute to water quality degradation in Delaware.
Focus group participant: I think that the general population has a responsibility, but that, proportionately, the corporations are much more at fault than are the every day households.
The location of the respondent’s residence had an important influence on opinions
on environmental health and the issues that were deemed important, and gender
and profession had a minor influence.
In the telephone survey, respondents from the less urbanized areas (Regions 3, 4, or
5, Kent or Sussex Counties) were more likely than were respondents from urban
areas (Regions 1 and 2, New Castle County) to say the environment is healthy.
Those from the more urbanized areas were more likely to say that they were
concerned about water quality.
In the telephone survey, respondents from Sussex County/Regions 4 and 5 were more
likely than were others to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest sources of
water pollution; respondents from New Castle County/Regions 1 and 2 were more
likely than were others to name industry/chemical companies as one of the largest
sources of water pollution.
In the telephone survey, males were more likely than were females to say that the
overall environment in Delaware is healthy.
In the telephone survey, those in industry were more likely than were those in other
professions to say that the overall environment is healthy. Those in the
teaching/education profession had a high propensity to say that water quality and
quantity and air quality are important issues.
WATER QUALITY AND SEWER/SEPTIC SYSTEMS
The vast majority of respondents’ residences are on a sewer system.
The results of the telephone survey show that 71% of respondents’ residences are on
a sewer system, and 23% of respondents’ residences have a septic system.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents v
The housing stock (those houses with a septic system) was relatively young, which in
turn means that most septic systems are relatively young.
The results of the telephone survey show that 75% of respondents’ residences (those
residences that have a septic system) are 30 years old or less, and 76% of respondents
said their septic system is 20 years old or less.
Most people whose residence has a septic system had recently had the system
pumped out, and they did so for general maintenance, not out of concern for the
environment, despite the fact that most respondents agreed that septic systems can
adversely impact water quality. Most respondents were reluctant to spend money to
upgrade their septic systems to improve water quality.
In the telephone survey, 71% of respondents whose residence has a septic system had
pumped out their septic system within the prior 2 years to the survey.
According to the telephone survey, of those who had pumped out their septic system,
61% had done so for general maintenance, and an additional 22% had done so
because the system had backed up. Only 2% had pumped out their septic system out
of concern for the environment.
In the telephone survey, 63% of respondents moderately or strongly agreed that
standard septic systems can impact water quality.
In the telephone survey, there was an inverse relationship between the cost of septic
system upgrades and the percentage who would be willing to spend that amount to
upgrade their septic system, and less than a majority of respondents (37%) were
willing to spend even the lowest amount ($4,000) that was discussed in the survey.
The percentage willing to spend the given amount went down to 20% when the cost
went up to $10,000.
In the telephone survey, less than a majority of respondents (30%) said that they
would be likely to upgrade their septic system knowing that developers were required
to install state-of-the-art septic systems in new developments.
Focus group participant: I wasn’t aware there was a requirement; I pump it when it backs up. It has backed up once in 15 years. The line got plugged up, and the [maintenance] guy told me we needed it pumped out.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents vi
Focus group participant: It falls under the maintenance category; I’m not sure that I was thinking of environmental concerns. I was thinking more about what I had to do to keep the system functioning.
In the focus groups, costs were very important considerations for Delaware residents
when evaluating methods to improve water quality in the state. The focus group
participants desired a clear rationale if further costs are to be incurred. Also, the
focus group participants reiterated that people tend to support the most inexpensive
option.
Focus group participant: I have a high concern, but how many homeowners could afford a $12,000 retrofit?
Focus group participant: Retrofitting is a great idea if you have the money.
Focus group participant: People would support [retrofitting] if it were less expensive.
Those respondents whose residences are on septic systems were fairly evenly split
between those who would prefer to be on a sewer system and those who would not
prefer to be on a sewer system.
In the telephone survey, 47% of respondents said they would prefer to be on a sewer
system, and 42% said they would not prefer to be on a sewer system.
In the focus groups, although participants were generally aware of and concerned
about environmental issues in Delaware, sewer/septic systems did not appear to be a
“top-of-mind” issue for most participants.
The focus group participants felt that the public tends to have an “out-of-sight, out-
of-mind” attitude. The public does not tend to think about what runs into the sewer
or what happens when they flush the toilet.
The location of the respondent’s residence had an important influence on responses
regarding water quality and septic systems in the telephone survey.
Obviously, those in rural areas are more likely to have a septic system than are those
from urban areas.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents vii
Those who agreed that septic systems can negatively impact water quality were more
likely to be from a suburban area than from any other type of area.
WATER QUALITY AND LAWN CARE
A large percentage of the sample indicated that they have a lawn at their place of
residence.
In the telephone survey, 85% of respondents said they have a lawn at their place of
residence, and of those who have a lawn, 58% said having a green, well-kept lawn is
somewhat or very important to them.
Focus group participant: Aesthetics is important to me; I like the way [a green lawn] looks. I hardly use the lawn, but I like the way it looks.
Respondents expressed concern about the effect that lawn care practices have on
water quality.
In the telephone survey, 75% of respondents who have a lawn said that lawn care
practices are a major or minor environmental concern, with 23% saying they are a
major concern and 52% saying they are a minor concern.
In the telephone survey, 80% of respondents who have a lawn said they are
somewhat or very concerned about the impacts of lawn care practices on water
quality.
In the telephone survey, 69% of respondents who have a lawn said that they were
aware before the survey that home lawn care practices can impact water quality in
Delaware.
However, in the focus groups, although participants were generally aware of and
concerned about environmental issues in Delaware, lawn care practices did not
appear to be a “top-of-mind” issue for most participants.
Additionally, in the focus groups, aesthetic considerations were very important to
some people in maintaining their lawn, which may color their opinions regarding the
way lawn care practices affect water quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents viii
A large majority of respondents maintain their lawn, and most do not hire a lawn
care company to maintain their lawn.
The results of the telephone survey show that 86% of respondents who have a lawn
said they maintain their lawn, and 27% have hired a lawn care company in the past to
maintain their lawn.
Nutrient runoff was recognized as an important cause of water pollution, and
farming/agriculture was most commonly named as the largest source of nutrient
runoff, and homeowners’ contribution to nutrient runoff was considered important
by a very low percentage.
In the telephone survey, 73% of respondents said nutrient runoff is a major or minor
cause of water pollution, with 41% saying it is a major concern.
In the telephone survey, 42% of respondents named farming/agriculture as one of the
largest sources of nutrient runoff, and only 8% named homeowners as one of the
largest sources of nutrient runoff.
Focus group participant: I don’t really think about my lawn service putting too much fertilizer and chemicals on my lawn that are going to leach into the ground and affect my kids’ kids. I’m aware of it, because I was in the pesticide business, but I also know what the regulations are. I trust the companies to follow the regulations. I have other things to worry about.
Less than half of those who have a lawn and maintain it apply fertilizer to it, and
most of those who apply fertilizer do so once or twice a year.
In the telephone survey, 42% of those who have a lawn and maintain it said they
apply fertilizer to it.
In the telephone survey, 74% of those who apply fertilizer to their lawn said they do
so once or twice a year. The spring is the most common season in which they apply
fertilizer.
Focus group participant: I fertilize in the spring and fall. I live right in the middle of town, with no sewers or canals nearby. If there were a possibility of runoff into the sewer, then I wouldn’t do it.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents ix
Of those respondents who have a lawn and maintain it, just over half have obtained
advice or information on how to take care of their lawn, typically from a lawn care
company or retail store, but less than half who obtained advice or information
changed their lawn care practices based on that advice or information.
The results of the telephone survey show that 51% of those who have a lawn and
maintain it have obtained advice or information on how to take care of their lawn.
The survey found that 47% of those who obtained advice or information obtained it
from a lawn care company, and 12% obtained it from a retail store.
In the telephone survey, 58% of those who obtained advice or information did not
change their lawn care practices based on the advice or information.
In general, there was broad support for lawn care practices that help mitigate
adverse impacts to water quality.
In the telephone survey, strong majorities practiced four of the seven lawn care
practices that were listed in the survey: mow the lawn at a higher height (78%
overall did this), reduce the amount of fertilizer they use (72% overall), leave grass
clippings on the lawn (72% overall), and reduce the amount of turf by planting
shrubs and trees (60% overall). Additionally, 50% plant native species that require
less water and fertilizer.
On the other hand, 56% of respondents to the telephone survey were not willing to
spend more on a smaller lot knowing that their neighborhood would then have a large
area of open space.
However, in the focus groups, among some participants there was a high amount of
trust in the regulatory process. For example, many focus group participants felt that
they should not have to worry about applying fertilizers and pesticides to their lawn if
the EPA designates them as safe.
There was not one demographic factor that stood out consistently as having a great
influence on responses regarding water quality and lawn care in the telephone
survey. The location of the respondent’s residence was not an important factor.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents x
WATER QUALITY AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Respondents expressed concern about the effect that storm water runoff has on
water quality.
In the telephone survey, 70% of respondents said that storm water runoff is a major
or minor environmental concern, with 27% saying it is a major concern and 43%
saying it is a minor concern.
In the telephone survey, 66% of respondents said that they were aware before the
survey that home lawn care practices can impact water quality in Delaware.
However, in the focus groups, although participants were generally aware of and
concerned about environmental issues in Delaware, storm water management did not
appear to be a “top-of-mind” issue for most participants.
The most common types of storm water structures that respondents said were on
their property or in their neighborhood are drains/gutters, followed by drainage
ditches. Knowledge of the party responsible for maintaining the structures was not
great.
In the telephone survey, 25% of respondents said drains/gutters are on their property
or in their neighborhood, and 19% said drainage ditches are on their property or in
their neighborhood. The most popular answer, though, was that there are no storm
water structures on their property or in their neighborhood.
In the telephone survey, 33% did not know who is responsible for maintaining the
storm water structures.
The focus group participants did not highly support the use of storm water ponds in
housing developments. Many individuals felt that the ponds are mosquito-breeding
areas and a hazard to small children. When informed about other storm water
structures, the focus groups showed higher support for rain gardens, swales, and
constructed wetlands.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xi
Most respondents recognized that runoff from pet waste is an environmental
concern.
In the telephone survey, 63% of respondents said that runoff from pet waste is an
environmental concern, with 15% saying it is a major concern and 48% saying it is a
minor concern.
Most respondents do not have a stream or pond on their property. Nonetheless, of
those who do, most keep an herbaceous border or mowed grass along it.
Furthermore, nearly half of those who have a stream or pond and do not keep an
herbaceous border or mowed grass along it are willing to plant an herbaceous
border.
According to the telephone survey, 11% of respondents have a stream or pond on
their property.
Of those who have a stream or pond, 38% have an herbaceous border along it, and
35% have mowed grass along it.
In the telephone survey, 49% of those who have a stream or pond on their property
but do not currently have an herbaceous border along it would consider planting a
border to protect their property from erosion and to protect water quality.
In the telephone survey, 47% of those who have a stream or pond on their property
but do not currently have an herbaceous border along it would consider planting a
border if they were provided cost-sharing and technical support.
In the telephone survey, 49% of those who have a stream or pond on their property
but do not currently have an herbaceous border along it would consider planting a
border if they were provided an aesthetically pleasing design that provided a partial
view of the stream or pond.
Focus group participant: Buffering zones: that’s an egregious term to agriculture people. It takes up too much valuable land.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xii
Strong majorities of respondents said they do several practices that help mitigate
the adverse impacts that runoff has on water quality.
In the telephone survey, 70% of respondents limit the use of salt on paved areas in
winter, 63% of respondents are more diligent in keeping their street-side gutter clear,
60% of respondents moved their drain spouts so the runoff flows onto the lawn
instead of the driveway, 59% of respondents clean up and properly dispose of pet
waste, and 56% of respondents collect motor oil and dispose of it properly.
The demographic factors that have an important influence on responses regarding
water quality and storm water management are ethnicity and residence location.
Of the twelve activities listed in the survey that could help improve water quality,
ethnicity factored in nine of them, with those identifying themselves as white more
likely than were other ethnic groups to say that they would be likely to practice the
particular activity.
Of the twelve activities listed in the survey that could help improve water quality,
residence location factored in nine of them.
BEHAVIOR CHANGES AND WATER QUALITY
Strong majorities of respondents said they would be more likely to change their
behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality leads to
the conditions listed in the survey.
79% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to unsafe drinking
water.
77% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to increased fish kills.
77% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to health hazards
from polluted water while wading or swimming.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xiii
76% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to genetic mutations
and birth defects.
76% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to degraded aquatic
habitat.
73% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to the closing of
swimming areas.
73% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to the closing of
fishing areas.
72% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to a less diverse
ecosystem.
70% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to lower property
values.
Strong majorities of respondents to the telephone survey said they would be more
likely to change their behavior to help improve water quality under each of the
conditions listed in the survey.
90% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that doing so would help protect future
generations.
78% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they received a tax break for doing so.
70% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they received financial assistance for implementing
conservation practices.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xiv
63% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they had to pay a fee on their property tax bill but they knew
it was being used for conservation purposes.
The focus group participants supported increased education efforts by DNREC. A
majority of the focus group participants felt that the general public is virtually
unaware of measures they can take to help improve water quality. The perception
is that people need constant reminders to engage in behaviors that are
environmentally conscious. A related concern was the inundation with too much
information. The focus group participants felt that DNREC should consider
focusing on a few key behaviors it would like the public to change.
Although many of the focus group participants felt that the general public is unaware
of many of the issues discussed in this report, they also believed that most people
would consider changing their behavior if they were presented with options,
frequently reminded of the options, the options were convenient, they understood the
rationale behind the options, and they were given the chance to debate and vote on
certain measures through a referendum.
A slight majority of respondents to the telephone survey said that they already do as
much as possible to help improve water quality.
In the telephone survey, 52% of respondents said that they do not take greater
measures to improve water quality because they already do as much as possible.
Although the focus groups revealed a high level of concern for the environment when
the issues were in the abstract or in another individual’s or organization’s realm,
when the actions of personal homeowners were indicated as a source of water
pollution, most individuals in the focus groups became defensive and initially sought
to justify their actions or blame others.
In the focus groups, participants felt that the public needs to know why certain
behavioral changes are necessary before they will be willing to change.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xv
Also, in the focus groups, among some participants, there was a high amount of trust
in the regulatory process, and they felt that they should not have to worry about
applying certain chemicals to their lawn if the EPA designates them as safe.
In the focus groups, many participants felt like they shouldn’t have to “pay for
someone else’s mess” (such as the water quality problems created by the developers
and corporations). Several individuals questioned why they should have to pay
more taxes or fees, when the developers (and other larger entities) are contributing
so much to the amount of impervious surface and runoff.
In the focus groups, cost associated with improving the environment concerned many
participants.
In the telephone survey, gender was a very important factor regarding potential
behavior changes, and residence location was not an important factor.
Gender was an important factor in the responses to eight of the eleven questions
about potential behavior changes to address the problems listed (e.g., increased fish
kills, unsafe drinking water), with females in all eight cases more likely than were
males to say that they would change their behavior.
GENERAL WATER QUALITY ISSUES—STATEMENT RATINGS
Respondents rated each of nine statements in the survey as important reasons for
taking greater measures to protect water quality.
The statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most important and
10 being the least important. While all statements had very low means for
respondents overall (the highest was only 2.61 overall), the statements with the
lowest means (i.e., the most important) were “It is important to protect Delaware’s
water quality so that we don’t become sick from contaminants” (mean of 1.35
overall), “It is important to protect Delaware’s water quality for future generations”
(mean of 1.39 overall), and “A clean environment protects Delaware’s residents’
health” (mean of 1.48 overall).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xvi
DNREC POLICY MAKING AND PUBLIC INPUT
In the telephone survey, most people expressed interest in participating in policy
making regarding water quality, and they said they would prefer to receive
brochures through the mail to learn about what they can do.
58% of respondents said they would be interested in attending meetings to provide
public input to the making of state policy on water quality.
69% of respondents said they would prefer receiving information about water quality
through brochures mailed to their home.
In the focus groups, there was a general feeling of lack of control, or lack of having a
voice, in Delaware. Many individuals felt the need for greater interaction and
coordination at all levels: counties, state, citizens, etc. Based on this feeling of lack
of control expressed in the focus groups, it is likely a significant proportion of the
public feels like any environmental actions they take don’t matter and won’t have a
significant positive effect.
DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH STRATEGIES: SOME IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONSThe research presented in this report can and should be used to develop communications and
outreach strategies to guide Delaware residents through the conservation learning process from
little or no awareness, to appreciation, to understanding, to concern, and then to action, as
discussed by Henderson (see C. Henderson, 1984, “Publicity strategies and techniques for
Minnesota’s nongame wildlife checkoff,” from Transactions of the North American Wildlife and
Natural Resources Conference, 49: 181-189). However, it is essential that outreach/
communication strategies to lead residents through the conservation learning process, thereby
changing residents’ behaviors, be targeted to specific groups with specific programs and
messages. This is because Delaware residents do not speak with one voice; rather, varying
groups within Delaware’s general population have varying opinions on environmental issues and
practice varying behaviors that affect water quality. This research provides those data that are
essential for the development of targeted communication and outreach strategies, as provided in
some examples from the research.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xvii
For instance, the results of Question 61 (see page 75) show that 16% of Delaware residents said
that the impact of home lawn care on water quality is not a concern, and another 4% said that
they did not know if it was a concern. This lack of awareness may be a problem in Delaware.
The nonparametric analysis (also referred to as a “z-score” analysis) shows that those most likely
not to say that the impact of home lawn care on water quality is not a concern have one or more
of the following demographic characteristics: other race identified, retired, no high school
diploma, male, in sales, and 65 years old and older (see tabulation below). For these groups,
raising levels of concern would be an important goal. On the other hand, the groups most
concerned have one or more of the following demographic characteristics: 35-44 years old, own
less than 1 acre, female, neighborhood association member, income between $20,000 and
$39,999, high school graduate or equivalent without college attendance, and white. For these
groups, moving them from concern to action would be an important goal.
Q61. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned about the impacts of home lawn care on water quality in Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Response analyzed: very or somewhat concerned)
35-44 years old
3.08**
Owns less than 1 acre 2.72**
Female
2.66**
Neighborhood association member 2.32*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.24*High school graduate or equivalent 2.11*White 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
65 years or older -2.01*Profession: Sales -2.11*
Most likely to say they are concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xviii
Male
-2.60**
No high school diploma -3.00**Retired -3.10**Other race identified -3.23**
In another example, 59% of pet owners said in Question 90 of the telephone survey that they
clean up and properly dispose of their pet’s waste (see page 120). This research, then, identifies
a problem: that 41% of pet owners do not clean up their pet’s waste. Furthermore, the
nonparametric analysis shows that those who are most likely not to say that they clean up and
properly dispose of pet waste have one or more of the following demographic characteristics: 65
years or older; African-American; not a landowner; retired; and to a lesser extent, female (see
tabulation below). Messages aimed at addressing the pet waste problem must reach these
subgroups of the population.
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities (of those with a pet)? (Those who said clean up and properly dispose of pet's waste.)
White
4.02***
Profession: Teaching/education 2.63**
Income between $80,000 and $99,999
2.38*
45-54 years old 2.35*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.20*Owns less than 1 acre 2.18*High school graduate or equivalent 2.02*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-1.98*
Retired -3.83***
Most likely to say they clean up pet waste
Most likely not to say they are
concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xix
Not a landowner
-3.94***
African-American -3.95***65 years or older -4.00***
Once specific subgroups, or target markets, are identified, as in the examples above, the next step
is to develop messages that resonate well with the target markets. Fortunately, this research has
identified differences in the way the messages were received by various subgroups of the
population—some messages resonated better with some groups than they did with other groups.
A more effective strategy than expecting one message to work for all Delaware residents is to
develop several messages that each work well with a specific target market. In short, different
groups of Delaware residents think differently about various water quality issues, and each group
may need a message tailored to that group. The key to a successful communications and
outreach strategy is to match the appropriate message to the specific target audience, keeping in
mind that some target audiences need to be moved from lack of awareness to concern, while
other target audiences need to be moved from concern to action, and also keeping in mind that
the messages were not equally received among all groups.
Most likely not to say
they clean up pet waste
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents xx
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary..........................................................................................................................iIntroduction and Methodology........................................................................................................1
Focus Group Methodology........................................................................................................1Telephone Survey Methodology................................................................................................2
Focus Group Findings......................................................................................................................6General Environmental Concerns in Delaware.........................................................................7Awareness and Concern About Water Quality..........................................................................9Behaviors That Affect Water Quality......................................................................................11Sewer Systems and Septic Systems.........................................................................................13Home Lawn Care.....................................................................................................................18Storm Water Runoff................................................................................................................22Education.................................................................................................................................25
Summary of Major Focus Group Findings....................................................................................27Telephone Survey Results.............................................................................................................31
Overall Health of the Environment and Important Issues.......................................................31Overall Concern About Water Quality, Water Pollution Causes, and
Responsibility to Address Water Quality..........................................................................36Water Quality and Septic/Sewer Systems...............................................................................49Water Quality and Lawn Care.................................................................................................72Water Quality and Storm Water Management......................................................................101Behavior Changes and Water Quality...................................................................................127General Water Quality Issues—Statement Ratings...............................................................141DNREC Policy Making and Public Input..............................................................................145Characteristics of Sample and Other Demographic Data......................................................149Additional Comments............................................................................................................169
Analysis of Demographic Characteristics on Survey Responses................................................171Analysis Methodology...........................................................................................................171Overall Health of the Environment and Important Issues.....................................................173Overall Concern About Water Quality, Water Pollution Causes, and
Responsibility to Address Water Quality........................................................................181Water Quality and Septic/Sewer Systems.............................................................................203Water Quality and Lawn Care...............................................................................................210Water Quality and Storm Water Management......................................................................245Behavior Changes and Water Quality...................................................................................281General Water Quality Issues—Statement Ratings...............................................................299DNREC Policy Making and Public Input..............................................................................302
Summary of Major Telephone Survey Findings.........................................................................307Telephone Survey Instrument......................................................................................................317Appendix A: Delaware SCORP Map.........................................................................................359
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 1
INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGYThis study was conducted for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control (DNREC) to assess Delaware residents’ attitudes toward the environment and water
quality issues. The study entailed five focus groups and a telephone survey of Delaware
residents. The telephone survey sample included residents of Delaware’s five regions (North
New Castle County, South New Castle County, Kent County, East Sussex County, and West
Sussex County), and the data analyses considered the region in which the respondent lived.
Specific aspects of the study methodology are discussed below.
FOCUS GROUP METHODOLOGYFocus groups are group-depth interviews in which a small group of participants (8 to 12) are
interviewed at length about select subjects. The use of focus groups is an accepted research
technique for qualitative explorations of attitudes, opinions, perceptions, motivations,
constraints, participation, and behaviors. The use of focus groups provides researchers with
insights, new hypotheses, and understanding through the process of interaction. Most qualitative
techniques, such as the focus groups used in this study, use small sample sizes. The conclusions
rest on face validity and rely on the depth of analysis rather than breadth of analysis. The focus
group research for this study, as does all qualitative research, sacrificed reliability or the ability
to replicate results for the sake of increased validity.
A trained moderator from Responsive Management conducted the focus groups, as unobtrusively
as possible. The moderator helped keep the discussion within design parameters without
exerting a strong influence on the discussion content. The moderator used a discussion guide
when conducting the focus groups. The discussion guide allowed for consistency in data
collection. In this sense, the focus groups were non-directive group discussions and exposed
spontaneous attitudes of the small groups. The focus groups were recorded on audio tape for
further analysis. Analyses of the focus groups was conducted through observation of the focus
group discussions and review of the audio tapes. Thus the analyses were performed in three
iterations: 1) the actual focus group observation, 2) review of each focus group audio tape, and
3) the development of the final report.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 2
TELEPHONE SURVEY METHODOLOGYFor the general population survey, telephones were selected as the preferred sampling medium
because nearly all residents of Delaware have a telephone. In addition, a central polling site at
the Responsive Management office allowed for rigorous quality control over the interviews and
data collection. Responsive Management maintains its own in-house telephone interviewing
facilities. These facilities are staffed by interviewers with experience conducting computer-
assisted telephone interviews on the subject of natural resources and outdoor recreation for state
fish and wildlife agencies. The telephone survey questionnaires were developed cooperatively
by Responsive Management and DNREC. Responsive Management conducted pre-tests of each
questionnaire, and revisions were made to the questionnaires based on the pre-tests.
To ensure that the telephone survey data collected were of the highest quality, Responsive
Management has interviewers who have been trained according to the standards established by
the Council of American Survey Research Organizations. Methods of instruction included
lecture and role-playing. The Survey Center Managers conducted project briefings with the
interviewers prior to the administration of the survey. Interviewers were instructed on type of
study, study goals and objectives, handling of survey questions, interview length, termination
points and qualifiers for participation, interviewer instructions within the survey instrument,
reading of the survey instrument, skip patterns, and probing and clarifying techniques necessary
for specific questions on the survey instrument. The Survey Center Managers randomly
monitored telephone workstations without the interviewers’ knowledge to evaluate the
performance of each interviewer. After the surveys were obtained by the interviewers, the
Survey Center Managers and/or statisticians edited each completed survey to ensure clarity and
completeness.
Interviews were conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday noon
to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all local time. A five-callback design was
used to maintain the representativeness of the sample, to avoid bias toward people easy to reach
by telephone, and to provide an equal opportunity for all to participate. When a respondent
could not be reached on the first call, subsequent calls were placed on different days of the week
and at different times of the day. A total of 1,200 completed interviews were obtained.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 3
The software used for data collection was Questionnaire Programming Language 4.1 (QPL).
The survey data were entered into the computer as each interview was being conducted,
eliminating manual data entry after the completion of the survey and the concomitant data entry
errors that may occur with manual data entry. The survey instrument was programmed so that
QPL 4.1 branched, coded, and substituted phrases in the survey based on previous responses to
ensure the integrity and consistency of the data collection. The analyses of data were performed
using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. SPSS is a software package
that is specifically designed for statistical analyses.
The results were weighted so that the proportions of the sample among the regions matched the
distribution of the population statewide. In other words, the results were weighted so that 55%
of the sample was from Region 1, which matches the state population, 55% of which reside in
Region 1. The tabulation below shows the weighting factors.
Weighting FactorsRegion Actual
SampleProportion of Total Sample
Weighting Factor
Weighted Proportion of
Sample
Population Proportion in
the RegionRegion 1 346 28.8% 1.92 55.24% 55%Region 2 163 13.6% 0.63 8.60% 9%Region 3 325 27.1% 0.60 16.17% 16%Region 4 94 7.8% 1.05 8.19% 8%Region 5 272 22.7% 0.52 11.80% 12%Total 1,200
Note that n-values may sometimes appear to have discrepancies (i.e., although a total of 1,200
people were interviewed in the survey, some graphs have an n-value of 1,201). This is caused by
the weighting, which in some cases led to fractional values or “partial people.” Small
differences in the fractional values for those “partial people” often lead to different rounded
“whole people” values when reporting n-values in graphs. On other graphs, the n-value is lower
than 1,200 or 1,201 because some questions were not asked of all respondents.
For this report, a nonparametric analysis examined how the various responses related to
demographic characteristics. Responses for selected questions were tested by means of z-scores
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 4
for relationships to demographic characteristics. The analysis examined approximately 50
variables regarding demographic characteristics of the respondents. A positive z-score means
that the response and characteristic is positively related; a negative z-score means that the
response and characteristic is negatively related.
The z-scores are calculated as shown in the formula below.
where: n1 represents the number of observations in Row 1.n2 represents the number of observations in Row 2.p1 = a/(a + b) = a/n1 and represents the proportion of observations in Row 1 that
falls in Cell a. It is employed to estimate the population proportion Π1.p2 = c/(c + d) = c/n2 and represents the proportion of observations in Row 2 that
falls in Cell c. It is employed to estimate the population proportion Π2.p = (a + c)/(n1 + n2) = (a + c)/n and is a pooled estimate of the proportion of
observations in Column 1 in the underlying population.
(Equation from Handbook of Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Procedures, 2nd Edition by David J. Sheskin. © 2000, Chapman & Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, FL.)
The demographic characteristics examined include:
gender, age, ethnicity, income level, education level, profession, location of residence—the county of residence, the region of residence, and the character
of the location (i.e., rural, small city or town, suburban, urban or large city), length of time living in Delaware and whether the respondent is a native, and acreage owned.
Throughout this report, findings of the general population telephone survey are reported at a 95%
confidence interval. For the entire sample of Delaware residents, the sampling error is at most
plus or minus 2.83 percentage points. This means that if the survey were conducted 100 times
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 5
on different samples that were selected in the same way, the findings of 95 out of the 100
surveys would fall within plus or minus 2.83% of each other. Sampling error was calculated
using the formula described below, with a sample size of 1,200 and a population size of 783,600
Delaware residents 18 years of age and older in 2000, obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sampling error equation:
Where: B = maximum sampling error (as decimal)NP = population size (e.g., total number of residents, total number of license holders)NS = sample size
Derived from formula: p. 206 in Dillman, D. A. 2000. Mail and Internet Surveys. John Wiley & Sons, NY.
Note: This is a simplified version of the formula that calculates the maximum sampling error using a 50:50 split (the most conservative calculation because a 50:50 split would give maximum variation).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 6
FOCUS GROUP FINDINGSThis chapter summarizes the findings of five focus groups conducted by Responsive
Management on behalf of DNREC in July 2002. The focus groups were conducted to identify
the attitudes and opinions of Delaware residents toward environmental issues in Delaware,
including water quality, septic systems, home lawn care, and storm water runoff.
The five focus groups were conducted on the following dates at the locations indicated:
Monday, July 15, Middletown, DE (Appoquinimink Library); Tuesday, July 16, Wilmington, DE
(Central Focus-focus group facility); Wednesday, July 17, Dover, DE (Delaware State
University); Thursday, July 18, Lewes, DE (Lewes Public Library); and Friday, July 19, Delmar,
DE (Delmar Public Library). Focus group participants were recruited based on residency in
Delaware, whether their residence was on a septic system or sewer system, whether they
maintained a lawn, and whether they were part of the agricultural community. These focus
groups were conducted prior to the administration of a quantitative survey to aid in the design of
the survey instrument.
Focus groups are an important method to begin studies such as this one because they allow for
extensive probing, follow-up questions, group discussion, and observation of emotional reaction
to various topics—aspects that cannot be measured in a traditional telephone or mail survey.
Focus group research is considered “qualitative” research. Qualitative research sacrifices
reliability for increased validity. This means that although focus group findings cannot be
replicated statistically as can sample surveys (high reliability), they often give researchers a more
valid understanding of issues at the heart of a study (high validity). Focus groups produce results
with extremely high content validity but are not random sample surveys.
The analysis of these focus groups was an iterative process. The moderator took notes and
observations at the time of the focus group. Next, the audiotapes and videotapes were reviewed.
Detailed notes were taken, including quotations that would be incorporated into the focus group
report. Then the focus group report was written. Quotations are always written verbatim, unless
otherwise noted, and are written in italics to differentiate them from the text.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 7
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN DELAWAREOverall, the focus group participants were concerned about the health of Delaware’s
environment and were aware of many environmental problems facing Delaware. Although
numerous environmental issues concerned the groups, the issues most frequently mentioned were
water quality/quantity, air quality, overdevelopment/preservation of open space, and
overpopulation. Other concerns were the high cancer rates in the state, disposal of solid waste,
littering, ground contamination from past chemical spills, and the effect of septic systems.
Water quality. Where I live the nitrates have been really high. We don’t have clean water to drink. Next, I would have to say littering; people throwing waste in ditches.
[The] population explosion is going to take a lot away from the resources. [So will] trash along highways and in the water. Anytime you overpopulate, there are a million things that happen. In the last 15-20 years, the population along the eastern shore has exploded.
I think what we’re going to run out of first is water. It’s harder to find other sources of water in the county. Sussex County has limited resources. Pollution may be more important because of the cancer rates, but I think useable water is going to run out first. We can’t import water like Boston or New York City.
I live near a lake, and we used to have a problem with nitrates in the water. I have a septic system. I had to go 340 feet deep for my well. Water quality is a big thing. I can’t see how the diesel smoke is good for us either, and they don’t have to pass emissions [tests]. To me, it smells, and I think they should have to pass the same restrictions as I do. Water quality is the highest [priority for me], and air quality is the next.
Probably how we get rid of solid waste. We are down to one landfill, and sooner or later that land will be gone. Next, water quality depending on the depth you go after. There is treatment there, but I think eventually the issue will be how much is left in those aquifers; eventually it will be depleted. The problem will be in the future, but not that far away.
I agree with what everyone has said. One problem is the use of septic tanks in residential areas. I don’t know what the percentage of failure is. Most will fail eventually. Unless there are places to hook up the septic systems, there will be a lot of unhealthy effects.
Open space. The issues are so overwhelming. The air is terrible, and there is no green space. The transportation system is abysmal. It seems like there is no planning to keep open space and say “no” to the developers.
Although the focus group participants mentioned numerous environmental concerns,
overdevelopment was at the forefront of everyone’s concerns. Participants in all of the focus
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 8
groups had strong feelings about the rate of urbanization taking place in Delaware. Many
individuals questioned the standards to which developers and corporations are held at the
expense of bringing in new revenue to the state. They seemed somewhat conflicted over the
revenue that could be generated for the state and the subsequent tradeoff of losing open space in
the countryside. The focus group participants appeared to struggle with a feeling of losing
control over the rate of development. They felt that the state is not strategically planning its
urbanization projects. It appears that this attitude may be generating negative feelings toward the
state in terms of the state’s role in protecting Delaware’s environment. DNREC may want to
evaluate its potential role in educating the public that collective actions of individual
homeowners can prevent the same amount of nutrient runoff as is caused by industry and
“unwanted development.”
There is no long-term strategy for development in the state; it seems like a hodgepodge. [The state should] maintain a balance between growth and the environment. Sussex County is growing and getting a bigger population. These things are bringing in more money, which is good, but it is important to maintain a balance. It’s getting crowded, compared to when I moved here 22 years ago.
I think the government is choosing not to exert control, because they want to bring companies into Delaware, but they are letting them get away with a lot. One chemical plant was warned about violations and [was put] on probation, but the government won’t shut them down because of the political and economic repercussions.
Farmers can sell off lots along the front of their property [near the road]. There is a lot of poor planning, especially near the Outlet Mall, and it’s a bottleneck.
Now it’s just grow, grow, grow. Construction is out of control.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 9
AWARENESS AND CONCERN ABOUT WATER QUALITYAlthough all focus group participants did not immediately mention water quality when first
questioned about their most pressing environmental concerns in the state, almost everyone
agreed that water quality should be a high priority. Several focus group participants mentioned
drinking water as a reason why water quality should be a priority. The Lewes focus group
differed somewhat from the other focus groups in that there was a higher level of concern about
eating fish from the waters. Overall, the focus group participants admitted becoming concerned
about water quality due to first-hand observations, such as a chlorine smell in the tap water,
advisories against eating fish from certain areas, and closed swimming areas. Very few
participants said that water quality was only a medium to low priority for them. One individual
mentioned that water quality does not carry a high priority for him because he is satisfied with
his sewer system and drinking water.
Water quality has to be a high priority because we are drinking it.
I place it [water quality] really high. In Washington [State], the reservoirs are from rainwater and mountain runoff, and the water was always good quality. When I was living there, the water was the best-tasting water. When people from California started moving north, the watersheds started going dry, and the quality started going down. There’s been explosive growth. I’m seeing Sussex County heading that way too. People put a big strain on the resource.
This whole side of the county is water based. People come here for the water. We are losing it. I think nutrient runoff is a big problem. Sea life—there are more fish kills in the canal between Lewes and Rehoboth.
We used to clam and crab in the inlet; now you don’t find anything. The Delaware Fishing Guide recommended eating no more than 8 ounces of fish twice a year from certain waters around here. That scared me.
We were told to not eat raw seafood from around here. I would not clam or crab Rehoboth Bay now.
The bacteria in the water; they have closed a lot of swimming areas. Delaware has a lot of family places, and they were closed down. It [bacteria] gets into the drinking water. I’ve noticed a lot of algae in the water.
I’ve noticed that my water now has a chlorine smell, and I’ve started seeing rust deposits on my faucet.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 10
I don’t think that water quality carries a high priority with my life. I’ve got sewer systems; I don’t need it. For me, and my living, I have good quality water and sewer systems, but when I see all the building going on, and all the septic systems going in, I wonder where it’s going. It is probably a medium concern for me in the big picture.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 11
BEHAVIORS THAT AFFECT WATER QUALITYA majority of the focus group participants felt that the major sources of water pollution and
nutrient runoff in Delaware are agriculture and industry. A few participants recognized that the
actions of the general population also contribute to water pollution, but it appeared that the
overall perception was that individuals were contributing much less to water pollution than were
the larger entities. It appeared that very few focus group participants fully realized the collective
effects that their own actions could have. Less than half of the participants in each focus group
attributed their own actions as having a significant effect on water quality. Many of the
participants appeared to have the attitude that water pollution was being caused by “someone
else.”
The Delmar focus group contained individuals from the agricultural community. One farmer
from this group remarked that farmers now have better technology to handle nutrient runoff.
This individual felt that current poor water-quality conditions are a result of behaviors that took
place years ago, and he did not feel, therefore, that his current actions were having a negative
effect. One individual believed that water pollution in small ponds was predominantly caused by
wildlife waste. One problem that DNREC may need to overcome is the relatively low level of
public awareness regarding the effects that individual homeowners have on water quality and the
collective effect of homeowners’ actions across the state.
In early spring, I think of giant piles of chicken manure sitting on the fields and then being spread. They have recently opened a plant (Perdue has done this) where they process some of the manure and ship it out to the Midwest. But a lot of the farmers just dump the manure.
I think that the general population has a responsibility, but that, proportionately, the corporations are much more at fault than are the every day households.
[It was the] chemical companies before, but now it’s the chicken farmers. It’s always the biggest industrial enterprises in the state.
Farms, the chemical plants, Dupont, refineries, poultry waste. Delaware is still a chicken state.
You take a large industry and can see how they have large pollution, but you also take the heavily populated areas, and they have the ChemLawns and storm sewers. It goes right into the estuary.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 12
I believe the individual contributes more to general water pollution, just because of things like detergents and chemicals on their lawn. If a million people spill one gallon, it’s like one big industry.
The general population. Everyone drives a car [and] sprays weed killer, and people have been dumping motor oil for years.
I think homeowners probably cover as many acres with chemicals as do the farmers, and there is no control over how much stuff we use.
There is a lot of runoff from the fields. But they are taking strides to handle it, and what to use/not to use. They aren’t working on the animal problem, though.
In Sussex County, yes, agriculture is the main source [of nutrient runoff]. This is a farming area and probably will be for a long time. We don’t have a lot of industrial plants, at least not big ones.
As of today, we [farmers] are going through nutrient management classes, and we are using better technology to handle nutrients. Fertilizer and nutrients cost us money, so we are trying to save money. Now we have manure spreaders that spread it more evenly. We use the bare minimum. I think some of the problems with the rivers are a result of what we did 20 years ago, so what we are doing now may take 20 years for the nutrient levels to come down.
The problem with development is that they say they are going to keep open space and what they do is put in a golf course where they are spraying on chemicals every day.
Depends where you are. Some of it [nutrient runoff] can’t be helped, like the wildlife waste in the water.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 13
SEWER SYSTEMS AND SEPTIC SYSTEMSAll of the focus groups contained nearly an equal number of individuals whose houses were on
septic systems and on sewer systems, with the exception of the Wilmington group, whose houses
were all on a sewer system. There appeared to be a wide discrepancy in awareness levels
regarding how often septic systems need to be pumped. Some focus group participants pumped
their system every other year, while a few others had waited as long as 18 years to pump or had
never pumped. However, a majority of individuals pumped their system every 2 to 5 years.
Overall, the focus groups were not very aware of the state mandate requiring septic systems to be
pumped every 3 years.
Environmental concerns (for instance, concern about nutrient runoff) were not the predominant
reasons that respondents had pumped their septic system. Focus group participants said they
pumped their system because of the law (if they were aware of it), for general maintenance
reasons, or for personal health (drinking water and their children’s health). Those individuals
who did not regularly pump their system said that they pumped only when the system backed up.
Several individuals felt a need for more public education about septic system pumping and felt
that the general public would be more likely to pump their systems if they knew that there is a
requirement to do so or if they knew that regular pumping would reduce the likelihood of septic
system failure.
There is a mandate by the state, but it is not enforced. You are supposed to pump every 2 to 3 years.
I wasn’t aware there was a requirement; I pump it when it backs up. It has backed up once in 15 years. The line got plugged up, and the [maintenance] guy told me we needed it pumped out.
There is no public education about it. If people knew that, if they don’t maintain their system, they would have to replace their drain field, they would do more about it. They could save themselves the time and money if they knew to pump every 2 to 3 years. I think there needs to be more education.
I was told you had to pump it every 3 years. My incentive [for pumping] was the law.
It falls under the maintenance category; I’m not sure that I was thinking of environmental concerns. I was thinking more about what I had to do to keep the system functioning.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 14
I maintain my septic system because I don’t want my kids [to] play... around in the overflow; it was backing up.
You’re going to drink the water that goes out of your septic system if you have a well, so it is important to keep it functioning.
Many of the focus group participants said that they had never thought about the environmental
effects of septic systems and sewer systems. A few focus group participants did, however, state
that they had read about this issue in the newspapers and had thought about the issue.
I don’t think about it [impacts of septic systems and sewer systems] every day. If my water test came back bad and I found that the water wasn’t potable, then I would be upset and do something. But, my septic hasn’t backed up, so I don’t worry about it. Right now, it is a non-issue.
If you read the local papers, I don’t see how you can’t be aware of it.
I thought about it and read about it, but there are solutions. You need a plan, but it takes money, and when taxes are raised, people start complaining, and start complaining about the systems. We are told the average life of the septic system is 20 years, so I think we’re going to have hundreds failing in the coming years.
Although some individuals acknowledged that both septic systems and sewer systems contribute
to water pollution, individuals on sewer systems felt that septic systems have a much greater
negative effect on water quality than do sewer systems. In turn, owners of septic systems were
generally satisfied with their system and felt that septic system technology had improved over
the years, leading to less substantial negative effects on water quality. However, all of the
participants in the Middletown group preferred to be on a sewer system, predominantly because
of the maintenance required for septic systems. The Middletown group also felt more
comfortable with sewer systems because they had read that treatment plants produce high-quality
water from the effluent, whereas they believed that septic systems do not.
We’ve always had septic systems, but we’ve always had a lot of land. We’ve never had one fail, and we pump it every year. It’s ridiculous to have houses on tiny lots with septic systems.
I’ve always had a problem with septic systems; I always think sewers are better since they are treated.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 15
Water coming out of a treatment plant is supposed to be better quality than most streams out there; I would rather be on a sewer system.
Newer septic systems are being put in today, and they are much safer than they were.
Modern systems are much better than they were before. As people are building new homes, they are using the modern, efficient systems, so to me, that’s enough.
Overall, the focus group participants who owned a septic system were not strongly concerned
about the effects of their individual septic systems on water quality, but they were more
concerned about the aggregate effects of septic systems in new developments. Many participants
felt that developers are at fault for the problems associated with septic systems because they
build houses close together and install septic systems in very small properties without adequate
space for proper drainage.
I’m not so concerned about individual septic systems, like mine; it’s when you have the larger systems, in developments. That is a concern because it can drive contaminants into the ground.
Now, septic systems are designed to hold the nutrients; the problem is managing growth. Nutrient-wise, there shouldn’t be any difference in impact between septic and sewer systems.
Most of the focus group participants said that septic or sewer systems would not influence their
choice in buying a new property and felt that it would also not likely influence the public. Only
one individual from Middletown said that it was on his “pro and con list” for purchasing a house.
Another participant said that he preferred living in rural areas, which are more likely to have
septic systems, but that the septic system itself is not what encouraged him to live outside of an
urban center. The general impression of the focus groups was that the public does not
consciously think about the effects of septic systems or sewer systems because as soon as
something gets flushed, it becomes “out-of-sight, out-of-mind.”
I don’t think that people think about septic [systems] versus sewers; as long as you flush it and it goes down is what the public thinks about.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 16
Almost all of the focus group participants were hesitant about having the state impose extra costs
(taxes or fees) on individual homeowners for retrofitting or for hooking current waste systems to
sewer lines. Everyone was in agreement that it would take a significant amount of money to
retrofit or hook houses with septic systems to sewer lines. Many of the participants questioned
the imposition of more costs because they felt that the current taxation system should already
provide money for new technology. The Delmar group was concerned that many people in
Sussex County would not have the necessary funds ($6,000-$12,000) to retrofit their septic
systems. In addition, some individuals expressed concern that retrofitting may not have a
substantial effect if it is done on a voluntary basis. For example, one participant noted that even
if he decided to retrofit, it did not necessarily mean that his neighbors would also retrofit.
Rather than imposing costs on current septic system owners, the focus groups felt that costs
should be either built into the price of new homes, or that developers should be required to pay
the costs for installing state-of-the-art septic systems. Several individuals also felt that tighter
restrictions should be placed on developers regarding lot size when installing septic systems into
new neighborhoods. As previously noted, many individuals felt that new, concentrated housing
developments with septic systems are contributing to water-quality problems more so than are
individual homeowners. Therefore, these individuals did not feel more costs were justified. This
is not to say that support does not exist for retrofitting; rather, the focus groups felt that
retrofitting or hooking up to sewer lines should be examined at a local level, with ample
opportunities for public debate on the issue. A different solution that was suggested by an
individual in the Wilmington group was to create a “penny-a-gallon” trust fund that could be
funded from homeowners’ water bills.
A lot of people don’t have $6,000 to $12,000 to spend. You would be making people choose between renting their residence or retrofitting their septic system. A lot of people in this county don’t make lucrative wages, and I don’t feel comfortable putting them in that kind of financial distress.
I have a high concern, but how many homeowners could afford a $12,000 retrofit?
You can’t sell people a $100 fan for the bathroom; it goes back to the almighty dollar. People want to do things as inexpensively as possible.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 17
You might pay the $6,000, but it doesn’t mean your neighbors will do it.
I see it [hooking up to sewer lines] as a local option.
I feel like the money is already there from taxes.
We all pay sewer bills. Why should we pay more?
I think the counties need to get together and force developers to quit using septic systems.
Maybe we need to create a “penny a gallon” trust fund.
Retrofitting is a great idea if you have the money.
There has to be a political argument to rationalize how the infrastructure repair is needed.
People would support [retrofitting] if it were less expensive.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 18
HOME LAWN CAREOverall, the focus group participants had various types of lawns, ranging from “green and
beautiful” to “brown and ugly.” Some participants reported using fertilizers on a regular basis,
while others did not fertilize at all. Most of the rural residents reported that they did not give
their lawn much attention. The reasons for their lack of attention were that they simply did not
place importance on having a green lawn, or they simply did not want to spend a lot of time and
money on their lawn.
While some focus group participants did not care if they had a green lawn, the overall impression
was that aesthetic considerations drive the public to keep a green lawn. There appeared to be a
slight social stereotype associated with green lawns: beautiful houses, better neighborhoods,
middle class. If this is the case, it may be difficult to change the behavior of people who live in
certain types of neighborhoods, because they may feel like they have to keep their lawn up to the
“neighborhood standard.”
It’s about vanity; why else would you keep a green lawn? It’s not for health reasons. People just like the look of a green lawn with a beautiful house.
I like grass to look like a putting green; I think everyone likes that. It is very middle class.
I think the point of living is to enjoy your yard and home.
Aesthetics is important to me; I like the way [a green lawn] looks. I hardly use the lawn, but I like the way it looks.
The better neighborhoods have green lawns; you can see the ChemLawn trucks.
Despite the importance of aesthetic considerations, several individuals appeared to have feelings
of guilt for their actions and in their desire to have an aesthetically pleasing lawn. DNREC may
want to consider promoting and emphasizing natural lawn care practices that produce an
aesthetically pleasing lawn.
I use a ton of fertilizer to have a green lawn; it’s awful. I know I shouldn’t do it because the soil doesn’t hold the fertilizer and it runs right into the sewers. I use too much of it so that I can have a green lawn and make the flowers look good. It’s one of those things
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 19
that tears on you; you want your lawn and house to look good, but to do that, I have to use all these chemicals. My personal feeling is that it needs to be an individual responsibility. I should be taking care of my property in a responsible way, and I fudge sometimes. I take my cans to recycling; I do a bit, but I’m not perfect.
A few individuals said that they employ a lawn service company to take care of their lawn and
that they trust the company to use the appropriate amounts of fertilizer and pesticides. Other
individuals agreed with the idea of trusting the fertilizer and chemical companies that sell
products in stores, because they feel that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set
regulations that ensure that fertilizers and pesticides are safe for public use.
The lawn company comes in and tests, and they do what they have to do. They don’t put on more [fertilizer] than they need to. I don’t have any complaints; I trust them.
I fertilize in the spring and fall. I live right in the middle of town, with no sewers or canals nearby. If there were a possibility of runoff into the sewer, then I wouldn’t do it. It’s like Roundup—you can use it safely. We use it around the ponds, and some grass. It deteriorates, even if it doesn’t go into the sewer.
No, I don’t feel like I’m doing the environment in. Grass is a barometer of health. I believe what I am doing is okay because I feel comfortable with the regulations in place. You deal with the best information you have, and it is telling me that I’m not going to hurt anybody.
I don’t really think about my lawn service putting too much fertilizer and chemicals on my lawn that are going to leach into the ground and affect my kids’ kids. I’m aware of it, because I was in the pesticide business, but I also know what the regulations are. I trust the companies to follow the regulations. I have other things to worry about.
The pesticides we use today are a lot better than what we used 10 to 20 years ago.
Several focus group participants admitted having health and safety concerns regarding the use of
lawn service companies. For example, one individual cancelled his ChemLawn contract because
he became worried when he saw signs on his yard that advised people not to walk on the lawn
for 2 days. A few individuals were concerned about using a lawn service purely because of
environmental reasons, but this opinion was not expressed by a majority of focus group
participants. Environmental concerns did not appear to be a significant factor in choosing a lawn
care company. However, one individual felt that employing a more environmentally concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 20
company was an added bonus, even though it was not his predominant reason for hiring the
company.
I got out of my ChemLawn contract because I saw all the signs that said to not walk on the lawn for 2 days.
I thought they [lawn care services] were notorious for pouring on herbicides and fertilizers, which is why I wouldn’t use one.
I have a green lawn. I water a small portion of it, but don’t use pesticides or herbicides. I used to have ChemLawn, but I changed to a more environmental company; they charged less money. I don’t worry about what they put on my yard; the EPA regulates that stuff, so I trust them. I don’t think I would have hired the more environmental company if I had to pay them more, but I do think it was a plus to go with someone more environmental.
Most people who applied fertilizers did so for aesthetic reasons, while those who did not apply
fertilizers did not do so because of time and money constraints. Overall, there was very little
support for having the state place restrictions on the amount of fertilizer that a homeowner can
use without explicit evidence that by doing so, improvements in water quality would occur. This
relates to the perception of blame: as previously mentioned, most of the focus group participants
felt that agriculture, developers, and industry are more at fault for negatively affecting water
quality. With this perception, it is understandable that homeowners would want to know exactly
how their behavior was affecting water quality before they submit to further regulations and
restrictions.
If DNREC could show that by using less fertilizer it will have positive effects, I would consider it. But, I think there are other things that DNREC should be worried about than my fertilizer. I think that fertilizer use is an environmental issue in other areas [of the state] but not here [Sussex County].
[Further regulations] would be intrusive, but if they [DNREC] could show improvements or give evidence of improvements, then I would probably go for it.
I don’t see how they [DNREC] could regulate [fertilizer and pesticide use]. Home Depot and Lowe’s are telling everyone to use the products.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 21
A majority of the focus group participants did not like the idea of leaving grass clippings on their
lawn. Once again, it was an issue of aesthetics and being able to enjoy the lawn. One individual
noted that clippings on the lawn made mowing difficult, and another individual did not enjoy
walking on the lawn with clippings on it. Everyone generally supported soil testing, and several
focus group participants said that they keep a compost pile. The overall attitude was that the
public is not aware of natural lawn care practices or the reasons for implementing them.
It feels yucky to walk barefoot on a lawn with grass clippings.
Leaving clippings on the lawn makes it difficult to mow because they don’t sink down.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 22
STORM WATER RUNOFFOverall, the focus group participants were aware that storm water runoff contributes to water
pollution but were not highly concerned about this issue. Many individuals were aware of the
presence of storm water structures in their neighborhood but had a low level of awareness
regarding the actual function of the structures. Many individuals had negative opinions of storm
water ponds in developments and saw these structures merely as mosquito-breeding areas. There
was a high level of concern about safety, as many participants viewed storm water ponds as
potential dangers to small children. When informed about other structures, the focus groups
were more supportive of them, including swales, rain gardens, or constructed wetlands. One
individual was concerned about the responsibility of managing and cleaning up the ponds in his
neighborhood and felt that the county or state should be responsible for the ponds.
I would prefer something different than the ponds; they are ugly and dangerous. If we could put in swales, or buy land close by and put in ponds that you can’t see [it would be better]. In developments, it’s a problem.
I’m in a new development, and we have six ponds. It’s our responsibility to take care of them; how efficient are they? When it rains, everything gets stirred up and it floods, so how is it working? We have one that is 12 feet deep; the state said it’s only supposed to be 3 feet. At some point in time we’re going to have to take them over; we shouldn’t be responsible, it should be the state or the county. They should have the qualified people to take care of it when it needs cleaning out in a few years.
I’m aware of it, but that’s all. It [storm water runoff] is a medium issue for me. I notice in new developments they are building these basins; you end up with a mosquito-breeding pond; I always worry about the kids’ falling in.
To me, storm water ponds are a hazard for kids.
I never thought about it; I’ve seen swales but never knew what they were for. There is one in my development. I was always wondering why it was there.
I like the idea of rain gardens. My friend told me that you can plant certain species of trees that are better for the air, and you could plant these trees in swales to get a double benefit.
When provided with a list of preventative measures that individuals can take to reduce pollution
runoff, the focus group participants had mixed opinions. Many individuals said that they already
undertake some of the measures, such as disposing of motor oil properly. The problem of
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 23
convenience was mentioned several times. Convenience is an important factor in motivating
people to change their behavior. For example, one individual described how he saves his motor
oil but is frustrated because he has to drive to the next town to take it to the nearest collection
center. This individual felt that people who dump their oil on the ground do so because they
either do not know where to take it, or the collection center is not in a convenient location.
Farmers in the Delmar focus group were not particularly supportive of buffer zones, because
they felt that too much valuable land would get taken out of production. The other focus groups
were supportive of buffer zones, but had not constructed any on their own property. Several
individuals questioned DNREC’s encouraging residents to use less salt on pavement in winter
because of the safety issues. In fact, several participants pointed out that the state always uses
salt and felt that the state was not setting a very good example for how it wants the public to
behave. One individual mentioned that he has reduced the amount of detergent when doing his
laundry, but his motivation was the function of his washing machine rather than a concern for the
environment.
Buffering zones: that’s an egregious term to agriculture people. It takes up too much valuable land.
I think washing cars on the lawn is a silly idea; what kind of grass would you have? It would kill the grass. Try throwing soapy water on grass, it will kill it.
I would do these thing; I do some of them now.
How do you clean up something that was put there 50 years ago? Why blame homeowners for what was there before? The concern is water under the bridge. What are we supposed to do if the phosphorous binds to the soil and won’t get broken down? We can prevent more from going in, but that’s already being done, at least what is reasonable with the technology we have. I think it is used as a battle cry to just get more regulation put in, when enough is already being done.
I would rather not slip and fall and break my neck [instead of reducing salt on pavement].
I hadn’t thought about washing cars on lawns. I recycle my motor oil. My yard is too small to create structures, but my yard is so flat that I don’t really have runoff problems. I clean up after my dog, but I pitch it in a big field on my property. I don’t think it hurts anything; it’s just a little dog.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 24
We’ve reduced our laundry soap use per load by 25% because it is harder on your machine to use more detergent.
I use kitty litter instead of salt, but the state always uses salt on the streets; so what are they going to do about it? When it snows, they still use salt. If I have to cut back, then the state should have to as well. It feels like the state is kicking you in the teeth.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 25
EDUCATIONAlthough education was not a topic specifically discussed in the focus groups, the need for more
general public education was brought up frequently enough to warrant discussion here. Focus
group participants generally agreed that the public is not fully aware of steps they can take to
help improve water quality. A majority of the participants supported the idea of having DNREC
place greater emphasis on educating the public about water quality and measures that individual
homeowners can take to prevent pollution.
Several participants noted the importance of procedure in presenting environmental information
to the public and encouraged DNREC to use radio announcements or other methods that would
not appear “preachy.” Many focus group participants remarked that the general public does not
engage in certain environmentally friendly behaviors because they become lackadaisical and
need reminders. Although the focus groups acknowledged that there would always be some
people who would not change their behavior, they felt that, as a whole, people might be receptive
to change as long as they are given rationales for why behavioral changes are necessary or why
taxes might need to be increased. The general perception was that, as long as people feel like
they are being presented options and feel as though they have some choice, they will be open to
actions they can take to improve water quality.
I would still go back that there is some value for DNREC to educate and provide a rationale for implementing ways to go about preventing pollution of our resources. Provide rationale for why we should do these things, and what the alternatives are if you don’t do these things, which eventually would be regulation if these things weren’t done. We have to try education first. If it were done in a way that explains that the alternatives would have to be regulation, you would make people understand what the carrot is.
If people were better informed and presented with options, through a referendum through a county, I think you would get a response if you got the word out. If it took some new tax structure, or whatever, I think if it came through a referendum, they would know what they were getting into. If they could vote on it, I think they would probably vote “yes.”
The information needs to be out there, but there will only be small percentages that do it. But, as a responsible humanity, the information needs to be out there, and we, as individuals, should then do as we see fit.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 26
A lot of it, too, is education. It may sound corny, but when I was a Boy Scout, I learned some things about conservation and how to save water. I think those things stick with you. Kids need training and need to learn techniques so it sticks with them.
It goes back to the issue of education. All summer I haven’t seen any kind of notice saying that I have to regulate my water usage because we are in a drought. You look for folks to alert you, and if you don’t hear an alert, you tend to overuse. Conservation is something [of which we need] to be reminded constantly.
We are notoriously a reactive rather than a proactive society, which is why I think education is important. It’s like when a kid drowns; you put up a fence, but why not put up the fence first?
[The state] doesn’t have a form to present all this stuff to people who aren’t informed. You don’t want to be singled out as an activist or troublemaker.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 27
SUMMARY OF MAJOR FOCUS GROUP FINDINGSOverall, there were several major findings revealed by the focus groups on environmental
attitudes of Delaware residents. The highlights from these groups are summarized below.
Although focus group participants were generally aware of and concerned about
environmental issues in Delaware, the specific issues discussed in these focus groups
(sewer systems and septic systems, home lawn care, and storm water runoff) did not
appear to be “top-of-mind” issues for most people.
The focus groups revealed a high level of concern for the environment when the issues
were in the abstract or in another individual’s or organization’s realm. However, when
the actions of personal homeowners were indicated as a source of water pollution, most
individuals in the focus groups became defensive and initially sought to justify their
actions or blame others. However, there was an underlying sense of guilt and
acknowledgement that one’s own actions do indeed contribute to water quality
degradation in Delaware. When developing messages to promote behavioral changes,
DNREC may consider developing messages that are informative but do not personally
attack the public.
The focus group participants felt that the public tends to have an “out-of-sight, out-of-
mind” attitude. The public does not tend to think about what runs into the sewer or what
happens when they flush the toilet.
The focus group participants felt that the state does not always set a good example for the
public. For example, homeowners are encouraged to use less salt on their pavement in
winter, yet residents see the state using salt on the highways in large quantities.
Concern for environmental issues appeared to be generated by noticeable problems. For
example, many focus group participants became concerned about water quality only after
noticing a chlorine smell in the tap water. When promoting behavioral changes, DNREC
may consider focusing on noticeable problems that result from water pollution. Many
individuals said that they pumped their septic system only when it backed up, another
noticeable result of poor maintenance. DNREC could promote pumping septic systems
on a regular basis not only to potentially improve water quality but also to prevent
possible septic system failures.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 28
Costs are very important considerations for Delaware residents when evaluating methods
to improve water quality in the state. The focus group participants desired a clear
rationale if further costs are to be incurred. Also, the focus group participants reiterated
that people tend to support the most inexpensive option.
There is a general understanding that individual actions can cause pollution, but the focus
group participants overall felt that industry and large corporations contribute more to
water pollution than do individual homeowners. It did not appear that people generally
think about the effect of the collective actions of homeowners on water quality.
Many focus group participants felt that industry and developers are not being held to the
same standard as homeowners are. They felt that the large companies are allowed to get
away with actions that should be prohibited. Therefore, the attitude seemed to be: why is
the state coming after the individuals?
The focus group participants did not highly support the use of storm water ponds in
housing developments. Many individuals felt that the ponds are mosquito-breeding areas
and a hazard to small children. When informed about other storm water structures, the
focus groups showed higher support for rain gardens, swales, and constructed wetlands.
There is a general feeling of lack of control, or lack of having a voice, in Delaware. The
focus group participants felt that overdevelopment and overpopulation are major
concerns, and that the state does not have a good strategy for planning its urbanization
projects. Many individuals felt that the state doesn’t place adequately stringent
regulations on the developers and corporations. They also felt the need for greater
interaction and coordination at all levels: counties, state, citizens, etc. Based on this
feeling of lack of control expressed in the focus groups, it is likely a significant
proportion of the public feels like any environmental actions they take don’t matter and
won’t have a significant positive effect.
Overall, the focus group participants felt that urbanization in Delaware is occurring
without a strategic plan. The public needs to know why certain behavioral changes are
required of them before they will willingly change.
Many individuals felt like they shouldn’t have to “pay for someone else’s mess” (such as
the water quality problems created by the developers and corporations). Several
individuals questioned why they should have to pay more taxes or fees, when the
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 29
developers (and other larger entities) are contributing so much to the amount of
impervious surface and runoff.
Among some residents, there was a high amount of trust in the regulatory process. For
example, many focus group participants felt that if the EPA designates certain fertilizers
and pesticides as safe, they should not have to worry about applying them to their lawn.
Aesthetic considerations were very important to some people in maintaining their lawn.
Therefore, it may be difficult to change behaviors unless the behaviors allow the aesthetic
characteristics of the lawn to remain. DNREC may consider promoting natural lawn care
practices that will be aesthetically pleasing to the public, especially in areas with
neighborhood associations where residents may be required to maintain their lawn at a
certain standard.
Time and cost associated with improving the environment concerned many focus group
participants. DNREC may consider promoting environmentally conscious behavioral
changes that are relatively effortless and providing reminders to the public.
Health and safety issues were among the top concerns for many focus group participants
who engaged in environmentally conscious behaviors. DNREC may consider focusing
on issues that affect the public directly as a means to change behaviors. For example, the
agency could focus on children’s safety when encouraging homeowners to use less
fertilizer and/or pesticides on their lawn, or the health risks associated with swimming in
polluted waters. People need to realize that their actions can directly affect themselves
and their families.
The focus group participants supported increased education efforts by DNREC. A
majority of the focus group participants felt that the general public is virtually unaware of
measures they can take to help improve water quality. The perception is that people need
constant reminders to engage in behaviors that are environmentally conscious. A related
concern was the inundation with too much information. The focus group participants felt
that DNREC should consider focusing on a few key behaviors it would like the public to
change.
Although many of the focus group participants felt that the general public is unaware of
many of the issues discussed in this report, they also believed that most people would
consider changing their behavior if they were presented with options, frequently
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 30
reminded of the options, the options were convenient, they understood the rationale
behind the options, and they were given the chance to debate and vote on certain
measures through a referendum.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 31
TELEPHONE SURVEY RESULTSOVERALL HEALTH OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND IMPORTANT ISSUESQ5. Slightly less than a majority (45% overall) of all respondents said that Delaware’s
environment is very or somewhat healthy. There was substantial regional variation, however,
with a majority in Regions 3, 4, and 5 saying the environment is very or somewhat healthy, but
less than a majority in Regions 1 and 2 saying the environment is very or somewhat healthy.
Region 4, which is largely rural, had the highest percentage saying the environment is very or
somewhat healthy (65%); Region 1, which is highly urbanized, had the lowest percentage (37%).
Q7. When asked to name the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing
Delaware, more respondents said water quality than said any other issue: 46% of respondents
overall said water quality, and among the regions, from 42% (Region 3) to 52% (Region 5) said
water quality. The next most given answer overall and among all but Region 5 was air quality
(Region 5’s next most given answer was water quantity, then followed by air quality): 29% of
respondents overall said air quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 32
Q5. Overall, how healthy do you think the environment is in Delaware? Would you say it is
healthy or unhealthy?
4
22
33
5
32
5
4
27
23
6
29
11
8
12
4
43
11
21
2
9
19
4
45
20
6
12
23
3
41
15
5
19
28
4
36
9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very healthy
Somewhathealthy
Neither healthynor unhealthy
Somewhatunhealthy
Very unhealthy
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=664)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 33
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing
Delaware today? Part 1
8
13
28
34
46
4
18
19
34
43
10
16
23
42
11
10
10
18
24
46
16
8
21
16
52
9
12
24
29
46
0 20 40 60 80 100
Water quality
Air quality
Water quantity
Pollution unspecified
Overdevelopment/lossof green space
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 34
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing
Delaware today? Part 2
2
2
1
3
5
1
1
3
1
3
1
4
3
7
1
2
1
1
4
3
3
4
4
5
4
2
2
2
3
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Cancer rates
Population growth
Habitatloss/fragmentation
Wetland drainage
Solid wastedisposal
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 35
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing
Delaware today? Part 3
0
0
0
1
1
1
00
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Littering
Septic tanks
Endangeredspecies
protection
Recycling
There are noproblems
Don't know
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 36
OVERALL CONCERN ABOUT WATER QUALITY, WATER POLLUTION CAUSES, AND RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS WATER QUALITYQ9. Concern about water quality was quite high, with 81% of all respondents having said that
they are very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware. Although there was not a
great variation among regions, it is interesting to note that Region 4 had the lowest percentage
expressing concern (73%) and Regions 1 and 2 had the highest percentages expressing concern
(both at 82%).
Q11. Those who expressed concern about water quality were asked to name the main reasons
for being concerned, and a majority (56% overall) said drinking water, followed by polluted/bad-
tasting and bad-looking water (38% overall), their own health and safety (33% overall), and
public health and safety (30% overall). There was some regional variation. While drinking
water was the top-ranked issue among all regions, the rankings of subsequent issues varied
among regions, as shown in the tabulation below. For instance, in Region 4, the second-ranked
issue was own health, followed by public health. There was also variation in the percentages
who said a particular issue is important. For instance, the percentage who said that drinking
water is an important issue ranged from 46% of Region 3 to 63% of Region 5. The largest
variation occurred regarding the issue of polluted, bad-tasting and bad-looking water: 50% of
Region 5 gave this answer, but only 20% of Region 4 gave this answer. In general, Region 5
was the most concerned about drinking water and polluted water, and Region 4 was most
concerned about personal and public health. In the tabulation, the highest percentage for each
issue is shown in bold.
Main Reasons for Being Concerned About Water QualityIssue Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 OverallDrinking water 59 49 46 52 63 56Polluted, bad-tasting, bad-looking water
37 42 38 20 50 38
Own health 32 32 30 42 36 33Public health 29 22 32 40 32 30Drought, low water 27 16 13 13 7 21Fish and wildlife 10 12 13 11 15 12Recreation 7 5 6 4 6 7Natural beauty, environment
7 6 5 4 6 7
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 37
Q14. Those who answered that public health and safety and/or their own health and safety are
their main reasons for being concerned about water quality were asked to specify their concerns.
The top answers were getting sick (58% overall), cancer (47% overall), pollution (45%), children
getting sick (28% overall), and future generations getting sick (22% overall). There was some
regional variation. The greatest variation was in the percentages who said that pollution is a
main reason for being concerned about water quality, with 33% of Region 3 and Region 5
respondents having given this answer and 67% of Region 2 respondents having given this
answer. It is notable that Region 4 had the highest percentage who said “children getting sick,”
“future generations getting sick,” and “birth defects.” In the tabulation, the highest percentage
for each issue is shown in bold.
Main Reason for Being Concerned About Health and SafetyMain Reason Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 OverallGetting sick 55 66 63 54 68 58Cancer 50 50 40 46 47 47Pollution 46 67 33 50 33 45Children getting sick 29 22 25 33 24 28Future generations getting sick
22 26 17 31 20 22
General environmental concern
16 33 14 0 33 17
Birth defects 14 16 6 24 16 14Lack of safe fishing 8 0 17 25 0 10
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 38
Q9. Would you say you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned with
water quality in Delaware?
1
17
42
40
0
17
40
42
18
43
38
25
21
36
37
3
19
35
43
2
18
41
40
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very concerned
Somewhatconcerned
Not at allconcerned
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1202)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 39
10
27
29
32
37
59
12
16
22
32
42
49
13
13
30
38
46
32
11
13
40
42
20
52
15
7
32
36
50
63
12
21
30
33
38
56
0 20 40 60 80 100
Drinkingwater
Pollution/bad-tasting and/orlooking water
Your ownhealth/safety
Publichealth/safety
Drought/lowresources
Fish andwildlife
resources
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=542)
Region 2 (n=85)
Region 3 (n=157)
Region 4 (n=72)
Region 5 (n=111)
Total (n=967)
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they
were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.)
Part 1
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 40
2
3
4
5
7
7
1
6
5
8
6
5
1
4
8
5
6
3
1
0
0
13
4
4
1
3
7
4
6
6
2
3
4
7
7
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Recreation-closed swimming
areas
Maintain naturalbeauty/for theenvironment
Other
It's is importantfor life
Don't know
Spiritual/religiousreasons
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=542)
Region 2 (n=85)
Region 3 (n=157)
Region 4 (n=72)
Region 5 (n=111)
Total (n=967)
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they
were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.)
Part 2
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 41
22
29
46
50
55
26
22
67
50
66
17
33
40
63
25
31
33
50
46
54
20
24
33
47
68
22
28
45
47
58
0 20 40 60 80 100
Getting sick
Cancer
Pollution
Childrengetting sick
Futuregenerationsgetting sick
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=228)
Region 2 (n=32)
Region 3 (n=65)
Region 4 (n=39)
Region 5 (n=51)
Total (n=415)
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Asked of those who said
health/safety was one of their main reasons for being concerned about water quality.)
Part 1
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 42
4
9
8
14
16
0
0
0
16
33
3
17
6
14
8
3
10
25
24
0
2
2
0
16
33
3
8
10
14
17
0 20 40 60 80 100
Generalconcern for
theenvironment
Birth defects
Lack of safefishing
Don't know
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=228)
Region 2 (n=32)
Region 3 (n=65)
Region 4 (n=39)
Region 5 (n=51)
Total (n=415)
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Asked of those who said
health/safety was one of their main reasons for being concerned about water quality.)
Part 2
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 43
Q17. A majority of respondents (56%) said that industry/chemical companies are one of the
largest polluters of water in Delaware. There was substantial regional variation, too, with 71%
of Region 2 respondents, but only 41% of Region 5 respondents, having said that industry/
chemical companies are one of the largest polluters of water. Homeowners/individuals were
named as one of the largest polluters of water by 10% of respondents overall, with little regional
variation in this answer.
Q19. Regarding the individual’s impact on water quality in Delaware, respondents were nearly
equally split between those who said that their daily activities have a minor impact on water
quality (47% overall) and those who said their daily activities have no impact (44% overall),
with little variation among regions. Only 6% of respondents overall felt that their daily activities
have a major impact on water quality.
Q114. When asked who should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware, a majority
(51% overall) said everyone should do more, 29% overall said government should do more, 21%
overall said business/industry should do more, and only 15% overall said residents should do
more. There was not a great regional variation, with the exception of those saying the
government should do more: 17% of Region 4 respondents said government should do more, but
34% of Region 5 respondents said government should do more.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 44
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware?
Part 1
8
13
24
59
11
14
14
71
20
26
53
1013
29
23
47
13
30
22
41
10
17
23
56
0 20 40 60 80 100
Industry/chemicalcompanies
Don't know
Farmers/agriculture
Homeowners/individuals
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=99)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 45
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware?
Part 2
1
1
1
3
1
4
3
1
1
2
4
10
1
4
3
2
4
4
7
1
2
2
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Developers
Developmentin general
Sewagetreatment
plants
Golf courses
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=99)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 46
3
44
46
7
4
44
49
4
47
47
6
12
49
47
2
3
42
47
8
3
44
47
6
0 20 40 60 80 100
Major impact
Minor impact
Not an impact
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=193)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1199)
Q19. How great of a negative impact do you feel your own daily activities have on water quality in Delaware?
Would you say they are a major impact, a minor impact, or not an impact?
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 47
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware?
Part 1
13
22
30
52
16
25
27
49
20
28
51
1716
19
17
49
16
13
34
51
15
21
29
51
0 20 40 60 80 100
Everyone
Government
Business/industry
Residents
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=661)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1197)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 48
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware?
Part 2
0
6
7
9
1
7
3
9
4
4
7
01
1
9
7
0
2
4
7
0
5
6
8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Other
Don't know
Me
No one
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=661)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1197)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 49
WATER QUALITY AND SEPTIC/SEWER SYSTEMSQ27. There was large variation among regions between those whose residence is on a sewer
system and those whose residence has a septic system, which correlates with the amount of
urbanization, because residences in urban areas are often on a municipal sewer system. While
7% of respondents’ residences in Region 1 have a septic system, 56% of respondents’ residences
in Region 4 have a septic system. Overall, 23% of respondents’ residences have a septic system.
Conversely, 88% of respondents’ residences in Region 1 are on a sewer system, and 39% of
respondents’ residences in Region 4 are on a sewer system. Overall, 71% of respondents’
residences are on a sewer system.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 50
Q27. Do you have a septic system, a sewer system, or do you have some other form of waste disposal?
4
2
88
7
6
1
54
39
1
54
41
43
2
39
56
3
2
56
39
4
2
71
23
0 20 40 60 80 100
Septic
Sewer
Other
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 51
Q33. The vast majority of residences (those with a septic system) of respondents are 30 years
old or less: 33% overall said 0 to 10 years old, 22% overall said 11 to 20 years old, and 20%
overall said 21 to 30 years old. There was substantial regional variation. For instance, only17%
of Region 1 residences are 0 to 10 years old, but 40% of Region 4 residences are 0 to 10 years
old. In looking at means, the oldest housing stock is in Region 2 (mean of ages of residences of
38.66 years); the newest housing stock is in Region 5 (mean of 23.88 years). The overall mean
is 28.38 years.
Q34. The majority of septic systems (asked of those whose residence had a septic system) are 20
years old or less: 51% overall are from 0 to 10 years old, 25% overall are 11 to 20 years old. In
looking at the means, the means of ages of septic systems range from 12.19 years old in Region 4
to 16.05 years old in Region 2. Overall, the mean of ages of septic systems is 14.27 years old.
Q35. Those respondents whose residence had a septic system were asked when the last time
they had pumped out their septic system. The most common answer was 1 year or less (49%
overall), followed by 2 years (22%). There was some regional variation, with 39% of Region 4
respondents having pumped out their septic system within 1 year or less, but 59% of Region 2
respondents having given this answer. In looking at the means of the number of years since the
septic system was last pumped, Region 1 has the lowest mean (1.31 years), and Region 3 has the
highest mean (2.14 years).
Q37. A majority of those who indicated that they had pumped their septic system did so for
general maintenance (61% overall) or because it had backed up (22%). A very low percentage
did so because it is the law (5% overall, but 14% in Region 1), and an even lower percentage did
so out of environmental concerns (2%).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 52
Q33. How old is your place of residence? (Asked of those who have a septic system.)
17
28
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
17
28
28
23
23
3
5
3
0
3
0
5
8
37
19
18
9
5
1
3
1
5
1
0
40
18
14
12
4
4
0
0
0
6
2
36
25
20
5
7
4
0
0
0
2
2
33
22
20
9
4
2
1
2
0
4
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Over 100 yearsold
91 to 100 yearsold
81 to 90 yearsold
71 to 80 yearsold
61 to 70 yearsold
51 to 60 yearsold
41 to 50 yearsold
31 to 40 yearsold
21 to 30 yearsold
11 to 20 yearsold
New (0 years) to10 years old
Percent
Region 1 (n=46)Region 2 (n=39)Region 3 (n=78)Region 4 (n=50)Region 5 (n=56)Total (n=269)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 53
Q33. How old is your place of residence? (Asked of those who have a septic system.)
26.50
38.66
26.41
30.24
23.88
28.38
0 10 20 30 40 50
Means
Region 1 (n=46)Region 2 (n=39)Region 3 (n=78)Region 4 (n=51)Region 5 (n=56)Total (n=270)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 54
Q34. How old is your septic system? (Asked of those who have a septic system.)
54
23
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
17
41
28
21
3
3
0
3
3
0
0
0
51
24
14
8
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
57
30
9
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
54
22
12
4
6
2
0
0
0
0
0
51
25
14
5
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Over 100 yearsold
91 to 100 yearsold
81 to 90 yearsold
71 to 80 yearsold
61 to 70 yearsold
51 to 60 yearsold
41 to 50 yearsold
31 to 40 yearsold
21 to 30 yearsold
11 to 20 yearsold
New (0 years) to10 years old
Percent
Region 1 (n=35)Region 2 (n=39)Region 3 (n=71)Region 4 (n=44)Region 5 (n=50)Total (n=239)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 55
Q34. How old is your septic system? (Asked of those who have a septic system.)
13.28
16.05
14.83
12.19
14.63
14.27
0 5 10 15 20
Means
Region 1 (n=34)Region 2 (n=37)Region 3 (n=72)Region 4 (n=44)Region 5 (n=49)Total (n=237)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 56
Q35. When was the last time you had your septic system pumped? (Asked of those who have a
septic system.)
0
0
0
6
29
54
0
119
3
3
3
0
3
21
59
15
3
6
3
6
15
51
1
22
0
2
0
2
7
28
39
15
0
2
2
4
10
21
46
15
1
3
2
2
6
22
49
0 20 40 60 80 100
Within the pastyear
2 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
5 years ago
6 to 10 yearsago
More than 10years ago
Never
Percent
Region 1 (n=35)Region 2 (n=35)Region 3 (n=71)Region 4 (n=46)Region 5 (n=48)Total (n=235)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 57
Q35. When was the last time you had your septic system pumped? (Asked of those who have a
septic system.)
1.31
1.69
2.14
1.82
1.77
1.81
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Means
Region 1 (n=34)Region 2 (n=34)Region 3 (n=70)Region 4 (n=46)Region 5 (n=48)Total (n=232)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 58
Q37. What are the main reasons you pump your septic tank? (Asked of those who indicated that
they had pumped their septic system.)
0
5
5
26
50
14
5
13
3
18
59
3
3
4
21
66
3
3
2
6
0
28
62
2
4
6
0
18
67
2
3
7
2
22
61
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
It's the law
Generalmaintenance/preventativemeasures
It backed up
Environmentalconcern
Don't know
Other
Percent
Region 1 (n=42)Region 2 (n=39)Region 3 (n=67)Region 4 (n=47)Region 5 (n=49)Total (n=244)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 59
Q39 and 40. Despite the low percentage of respondents (those whose residence has a septic
system) who said that they pumped their septic system out of concern for the environment (2%),
a strong majority strongly or moderately agreed that standard septic systems can impact water
quality (63%). Region 1 had the highest percentage who agreed (74%); Region 2 had the lowest
percentage who agreed (54%). Also, a very strong majority (72%) of respondents whose
residence has a septic system were very or somewhat concerned about the effects of septic
systems on water quality in Delaware. There was notable regional variation in the answers, as
well, with 87% of Region 1 respondents having said that they are very or somewhat concerned,
and 61% of Region 2 and 3 respondents having expressed concern.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 60
Q39. Do you agree or disagree that standard septic systems can impact water quality in Delaware?
(Asked of those who have a septic system.)
9
0
13
4
46
28
26
10
8
3
33
21
14
13
3
37
24
10
22
2
16
4
42
15
12
2
14
2
32
39
16
6
12
3
38
25
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderatelyagree
Neither agreenor disagree
Moderatelydisagree
Stronglydisagree
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=46)Region 2 (n=39)Region 3 (n=79)Region 4 (n=55)Region 5 (n=57)Total (n=276)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 61
0
13
46
41
7
32
44
17
33
36
25
65
18
55
22
5
16
41
38
5
23
44
28
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very concerned
Somewhatconcerned
Not at allconcerned
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=46)Region 2 (n=41)Region 3 (n=80)Region 4 (n=55)Region 5 (n=56)Total (n=278)
Q40. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned about
the effects of septic systems on water quality in Delaware? (Asked of those who have a septic system.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 62
Q42, 43, 44, and 45. Each respondent who had previously indicated that his or her residence has
a septic system was asked one of these four questions about the amount that he or she would be
willing to spend to upgrade the residence’s septic system. In looking at results overall, there is
an inverse relationship, in general, between the cost and the percentages of respondents who
would be willing to spend the given amount to upgrade their septic system: as the cost went up,
the percentage of respondents who would be willing to spend that amount to upgrade their septic
system went down, as shown in the following tabulation. The individual question results are
shown on the following pages.
Cost of Upgrade Percent Who Said They Would be Very or Somewhat
Likely to Spend that Amount to Upgrade Their
Septic System
Percent Who Said They Would be Very or Somewhat
Unlikely to Spend that Amount to Upgrade Their
Septic System$4,000 37 48$6,000 29 56$8,000 28 54
$10,000 20 67
Q46. When asked how likely they would be to upgrade their septic system if they knew that
developers are required to install state-of-the-art septic systems in new developments, 30% said
that they would be very or somewhat likely to upgrade their septic system. However, a larger
percentage (48%) said that they would be somewhat or very unlikely to do so. There was some
regional variation, with those from Region 2 the most likely to upgrade their septic system (38%
were very or somewhat likely to do so) and those from Region 3 the most unlikely to upgrade
their septic system (57% were somewhat or very unlikely to do so).
Q47. Of those who have a septic system, 47% indicated that they would prefer to be on a sewer
system, slightly higher than the percentage who would not prefer to be on a sewer system (42%).
Region 1 had the greatest difference from the other regions, with 28% saying that they would not
prefer to be on a sewer system, whereas the other regions had from 40% to 50% saying that they
would not prefer to be on a sewer system.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 63
9
34
14
7
18
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Q42. How likely would you be to spend $4,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could
help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions
regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system – questions 42,
43, 44, and 45)Statewide Results
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 64
8
44
12
7
18
11
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Q43. How likely would you be to spend $6,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could
help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions
regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system – questions 42,
43, 44, and 45)Statewide Results
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 65
13
44
10
4
15
13
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Q44. How likely would you be to spend $8,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could
help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions
regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system – questions 42,
43, 44, and 45)Statewide Results
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 66
6
14
2
11
56
11
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Q45. How likely would you be to spend $10,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could
help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions
regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system – questions 42,
43, 44, and 45)Statewide Results
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 67
13
32
17
13
9
17
13
40
8
3
23
15
8
43
9
15
13
14
13
28
15
15
15
15
20
30
11
4
21
14
13
35
13
9
16
14
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhatunlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=47)Region 2 (n=40)Region 3 (n=80)Region 4 (n=54)Region 5 (n=56)Total (n=277)
Q46. How likely would you be to upgrade your septic system if you knew that developers were required to
install state-of-the-art septic systems in new developments? (Asked of those who have a septic
system.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 68
Q47. Would you prefer to be on a sewer system? (Asked of those who have a septic system.)
17
28
54
7
49
44
8
50
43
16
40
44
5
40
54
10
42
47
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=46)Region 2 (n=41)Region 3 (n=80)Region 4 (n=55)Region 5 (n=57)Total (n=279)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 69
Q28 and 29. Question 28 was asked only of those who answered “other” in Question 27
regarding the type of waste disposal system their residence has. Of the 21 respondents who were
asked Question 28, only 3 answered that their residence has a cesspool or holding tank (none has
a seepage pit). Of those 3 respondents, only 2 could recall that it had been pumped out, with 1
saying it had been pumped out 10 years previous and the other saying it had been pumped out 20
years previous. Also of those 3 respondents, 2 pumped their cesspool or holding tank to comply
with applicable laws, and the other pumped for general maintenance.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 70
Q28. Do you have a cesspool, seepage pit, or a holding tank? (Asked of those who did not have a
septic system or sewer system.)
2
10
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
10
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
3
15
2
1
0 4 8 12 16 20
Cesspool
Holding tank
None of these
Don't know
Frequency
Region 1 (n=12)Region 2 (n=2)Region 3 (n=2)Region 4 (n=2)Region 5 (n=3)Total (n=21)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 71
11
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
1
18
1
1
0 4 8 12 16 20
10 years ago
20 years ago
Don't know howmany years ago
Frequency
Region 1 (n=11)Region 2 (n=2)Region 3 (n=2)Region 4 (n=2)Region 5 (n=3)Total (n=20)
Q29. When was the last time you had your cesspool, seepage pit, or a holding tank pumped? (Asked of
those who have a cesspool, seepage pit, or holding tank.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 72
WATER QUALITY AND LAWN CAREQ25. Large percentages of the sample have a lawn at their place of residence (85% overall).
Regions 1 and 3 had the lowest percentage of those with a lawn (83%); Region 2 had the highest
percentage of those with a lawn (93%).
Q59. Those who have a lawn were asked whether lawn care practices are a major or minor
environmental concern or not a concern. Nearly a quarter (23% overall) said lawn care practices
are a major environmental concern, and a slight majority (52% overall) indicated that they are a
minor concern, with little regional variation. Together, 75% overall said lawn care practices are
a major or minor concern, and 17% overall said they are not a concern.
Q61. Those who have a lawn were asked about their level of concern about the impacts of home
lawn care on water quality, and similar to Question 59, 26% overall are very concerned and 54%
overall are somewhat concerned, while 16% overall are not at all concerned. There was little
regional variation.
Q60. A strong majority of those who have a lawn (69% overall) were aware before the survey
that home lawn care practices can impact water quality in Delaware. The percentages who said
they were aware ranged from 65% of Region 2 respondents to 76% of Region 5 respondents.
Q48. Of those who have a lawn and maintain it, a majority (58% overall) said having a green,
well-kept lawn is very or somewhat important to them, with Region 3 respondents having the
highest percentage saying it is very or somewhat important (64%) and Region 4 having the
lowest percentage (52%). Overall, 36% said it is somewhat or very unimportant.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 73
Q25. Do you have your own lawn at your place of residence?
0
17
83
0
7
93
1
17
83
0
12
88
0
13
87
0
15
85
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 74
9
18
49
24
9
14
54
23
17
53
24
75
21
55
20
7
16
59
19
8
17
52
23
0 20 40 60 80 100
Major concern
Minor concern
Not a concern
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)Region 2 (n=96)Region 3 (n=160)Region 4 (n=87)Region 5 (n=122)Total (n=1015)
Q59. Would you say that home lawn care practices are a major environmental concern, a minor environmental
concern, or not an environmental concern in Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a
lawn.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 75
4
15
55
26
2
19
58
21
18
52
28
22
20
56
22
5
16
51
28
4
16
54
26
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very concerned
Somewhatconcerned
Not at allconcerned
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)Region 2 (n=96)Region 3 (n=161)Region 4 (n=87)Region 5 (n=122)Total (n=1016)
Q61. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned about the impacts of home lawn care on water quality in
Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 76
Q60. Before this survey, were you aware that home lawn care practices can impact water quality in
Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.)
2
31
67
4
31
65
3
28
70
3
23
74
1
24
76
2
29
69
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)Region 2 (n=97)Region 3 (n=160)Region 4 (n=87)Region 5 (n=123)Total (n=1017)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 77
1
21
18
5
38
18
1
17
18
7
34
23
3
13
5
31
33
16
4
22
16
6
30
22
2
12
23
5
37
22
2
18
18
5
36
22
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neitherimportant norunimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Veryunimportant
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=453)Region 2 (n=88)Region 3 (n=146)Region 4 (n=79)Region 5 (n=111)Total (n=877)
Q48. Would you say it is important or unimportant to you to have a green, well-kept lawn? (Asked of those who said they have a lawn and maintain their lawn.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 78
Q26. Of those who indicated that they have a lawn at their place of residence, very large
percentages said that they maintain that lawn, ranging from 83% of those in Region 1 to 91% of
those in Regions 2, 3, and 4. Overall, 86% maintain the lawn at their place of residence.
Q58. Of those who have a lawn at their residence, 27% overall have hired a professional lawn
care company, but most (72% overall) have not. Regions 1 and 2 had the highest percentages
having hired a lawn care company (31% and 30%, respectively); Region 4 had the lowest
percentage having hired a lawn care company (16%).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 79
Q26. Do you maintain the lawn at your place of residence? (Asked of those who said they had a
lawn at their place of residence.)
0
17
83
1
8
91
1
9
91
0
9
91
0
10
90
0
13
86
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)Region 2 (n=97)Region 3 (n=161)Region 4 (n=86)Region 5 (n=122)Total (n=1016)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 80
Q58. Have you ever hired a professional lawn care company? (Asked of those who said that they have
a lawn.)
0
68
31
0
70
30
1
79
20
0
84
16
0
75
25
0
72
27
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)Region 2 (n=96)Region 3 (n=161)Region 4 (n=87)Region 5 (n=122)Total (n=1016)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 81
Q20. Although a majority of each region recognized nutrient runoff as a cause of water pollution
in Delaware, they were split between whether it is a major or minor cause of water pollution.
There was a slightly higher percentage of those who said it is a major cause (41% overall) than
said it is a minor cause (32% overall). A very low percentage said that nutrient runoff is not a
cause of water pollution (3% overall), and a substantial percentage did not know (23% overall).
Q22. The most common answer given by respondents when asked who contributes the most to
nutrient runoff pollution was farmers/agriculture (42% overall), with the results among regions
ranging from 37% of Region 1 respondents to 52% of Region 5 respondents. Homeowners/
individuals were named as one of the largest contributors to nutrient runoff by 8% of respondents
overall, with little regional variation in this answer.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 82
Q20. Would you say that nutrient runoff (nitrogen and phosphorous) is a major cause, a minor cause,
or not a cause of water pollution in Delaware?
28
3
31
39
15
3
40
43
5
36
40
2017
4
35
43
16
4
28
51
23
3
32
41
0 20 40 60 80 100
Major cause
Minor cause
Not a cause
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 83
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware?
Part 1
4
9
21
40
37
6
11
21
27
44
4
21
28
47
7
3
5
32
23
50
3
9
18
27
52
4
8
21
34
42
0 20 40 60 80 100
Farmers/agriculture
Don't know
Industry/chemicalcompanies
Homeowners/individuals
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=662)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1198)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 84
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware?
Part 2
1
1
2
2
0
0
1
1
2
3
3
20
0
3
1
2
3
4
4
1
1
2
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Developers
Developmentin general
Golf courses
Sewagetreatment
plants
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=662)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1198)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 85
Q49. Of those who have a lawn and maintain it, less than a majority (42% overall) apply
fertilizer to their lawn. There was some regional variation, with Region 2 respondents the most
likely to apply fertilizer (47% applied fertilizer) and Region 4 respondents the least likely to do
so (32% applied fertilizer).
Q50. Of those who have a lawn and apply fertilizer to it, 74% apply it one or two times a year,
roughly split between those who apply it once a year (41%) and those who apply it twice a year
(33%). There was some regional variation, with those from Region 4 having the highest
percentage applying fertilizer one or two times a year (96%) and those from Region 1 having the
lowest percentage applying fertilizer one or two times a year (71%).
Q52. Of those who have a lawn and apply fertilizer to it, the vast majority (83% overall) said
they apply fertilizer in the spring, and a slight majority (56% overall) said they apply it in the
fall. Region 4 showed the greatest variation from the other regions, with the lowest percentage
(68%) who said they apply fertilizer in the spring and the lowest percentage (8%) who said they
apply it in the summer. The other regions ranged from 79% (Region 3) to 86% (Region 1) who
apply it in the spring, and 16% (Region 3) to 29% (Region 2) who said they apply fertilizer in the
summer.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 86
Q49. Do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they have a lawn and maintain their
lawn.)
0
55
44
1
52
47
1
58
42
0
68
32
2
59
39
1
57
42
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=454)Region 2 (n=89)Region 3 (n=146)Region 4 (n=78)Region 5 (n=111)Total (n=878)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 87
Q50. How many times per year do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said
they apply fertilizer to their lawn.)
10
10
0
5
10
2
3
0
4
0
0
10
7
2
5
10
11
2
2
0
3
14
12
36
35
39
37
24
54
7
35
61
29
48
33
41
0 20 40 60 80 100
Once a year
Twice a year
Three times ayear
Four times ayear
Five times ayear
Six or moretimes a year
Percent
Region 1 (n=188)Region 2 (n=41)Region 3 (n=59)Region 4 (n=23)Region 5 (n=42)Total (n=353)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 88
Q52. In what seasons do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they apply fertilizer
to their lawn.)
7
8
24
56
86
2
7
29
57
83
10
16
52
79
8
8
4
8
54
68
2
9
19
57
83
7
8
21
56
83
0 20 40 60 80 100
Spring
Fall
Summer
Winter
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=201)
Region 2 (n=42)
Region 3 (n=62)
Region 4 (n=25)
Region 5 (n=42)
Total (n=372)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 89
Q53. Of those who have a lawn and maintain it, just over half (51%) have obtained advice or
information on how to take care of their lawn. Region 2 respondents were the most likely to
have obtained advice or information (56% had done so); Region 5 respondents were the least
likely to have obtained advice or information (43% had done so).
Q55. The most popular source of information or advice on lawn care (of those who have
obtained information or advice) is lawn care companies (47% overall obtained information or
advice from this source). Retail stores are also an important source of information or advice
(12% overall) There was not great regional variation in the results to this question.
Q57. Of those who have a lawn and have obtained advice or information on lawn care, 40%
overall changed the way they care for their lawn, but most (58% overall) did not change the way
they care for their lawn, based on the advice or information. There was some regional variation,
with Region 5 respondents the most likely to have changed their lawn care practices based on the
advice or information (51% changed their practices) and Region 4 respondents the least likely to
have changed their lawn care practices (29% changed their practices).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 90
Q53. Have you ever gotten advice or information on how to take care of your lawn? (Asked of those
who said they have a lawn and maintain their lawn.)
2
45
54
0
44
56
1
52
47
1
53
46
2
55
43
1
48
51
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=454)Region 2 (n=88)Region 3 (n=147)Region 4 (n=79)Region 5 (n=110)Total (n=878)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 91
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten
advice on how to take care of their lawn.) Part 1
6
8
9
11
50
6
8
6
8
49
6
3
14
41
7
11
9
3
20
50
6
8
13
13
36
7
8
8
12
47
0 20 40 60 80 100
Lawn care company
From a retail store such asLowe's or Home Depot
The University of DelawareCooperative Extension
Service
Friend
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=243)
Region 2 (n=49)
Region 3 (n=68)
Region 4 (n=36)
Region 5 (n=48)
Total (n=444)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 92
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten
advice on how to take care of their lawn.) Part 2
5
4
5
5
4
6
4
2
6
6
1
6
9
7
3
0
6
3
0
9
4
4
4
4
8
4
4
5
5
6
0 20 40 60 80 100
Lawn caremagazine/publication
Family member
Newspaper
Books/brochures/mail/reading
materials
Neighbor
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=243)
Region 2 (n=49)
Region 3 (n=68)
Region 4 (n=36)
Region 5 (n=48)
Total (n=444)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 93
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten
advice on how to take care of their lawn.) Part 3
0
1
0
2
2
2
02
0
2
2
2
2
6
1
3
1
4
3
1
4
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
2
2
4
2
4
4
0
1
1
1
2
2
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Internet
Television
Don't know
Othermagazine
University
DNREC
Radio
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=243)
Region 2 (n=49)
Region 3 (n=68)
Region 4 (n=36)
Region 5 (n=48)
Total (n=444)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 94
2
59
39
2
53
45
1
59
39
3
69
29
4
45
51
2
58
40
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=244)Region 2 (n=49)Region 3 (n=69)Region 4 (n=35)Region 5 (n=47)Total (n=444)
Q57. Did the information or advice cause you to change the way you care for your lawn? (Asked of
those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 95
Q63. Regarding several lawn care practices that help to mitigate adverse impacts to water
quality, strong majorities practice four of the seven that were listed in the survey: mow the lawn
at a higher height (78% overall did this), reduce the amount of fertilizer they use (72% overall),
leave grass clippings on the lawn (72% overall), and reduce the amount of turf by planting
shrubs and trees (60% overall). The other three practices were not as popular: 50% overall plant
native species that require less water and fertilizer, 31% overall use organic lawn care products,
and 13% test soil for nitrates/phosphorous on a regular basis. There was little regional variation.
Q65. Of those who do not do any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63, 14% said they
do not do any of the practices because they do not think their current behavior is wrong, 9% said
they are not concerned, and 7% said they are not aware that their behavior is a problem.
Q67. Finally, regarding lawn care, a majority (56% overall) were not willing to spend more on a
smaller lot if they knew that their neighborhood would have a large area of open space.
Nonetheless, a third (33% overall) were willing to spend more on a lot knowing that the
neighborhood would have a large area of open space. There was some regional variation, with
Region 1 respondents the most likely to say they are willing to spend more on a smaller lot
knowing there would be open space in the neighborhood (37%) and Region 3 respondents the
least likely to say they are willing to spend more money on a smaller lot knowing that there
would be an open area in the neighborhood (24%).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 96
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those
who said that they have a lawn.) Part 1
59
68
71
76
69
75
65
83
75
73
78
6157
84
71
82
65
75
80
78
60
72
72
78
0 20 40 60 80 100
Mow your lawnat a higher
height?
Reduce theamount of
fertilizer youuse?
Leave grassclippings onyour lawn?
Reduceamount of turf
by plantingmore
vegetation(shrubs/trees)?
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)
Region 2 (n=96)
Region 3 (n=161)
Region 4 (n=87)
Region 5 (n=122)
Total (n=1016)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 97
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those
who said that they have a lawn.) Part 2
2
5
10
31
47
4
3
11
34
55
3
16
29
50
3
1
3
15
32
49
2
4
17
32
54
2
4
13
31
50
0 20 40 60 80 100
Planting nativespecies that require
less water andfertilizer?
Use organic lawncare products?
Test your soil fornitrates/phosphorouson a regular basis?
None of these
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=550)
Region 2 (n=96)
Region 3 (n=161)
Region 4 (n=87)
Region 5 (n=122)
Total (n=1016)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 98
8
8
16
16
46
33
0
0
33
50
0
17
33
40
17
0
0
33
0
33
0
17
0
33
40
7
9
14
21
44
0 20 40 60 80 100
Other
Don't know
Don't thinkmy behavior
is wrong
Notconcerned
Not awarethat my
behavior is aproblem
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=25)
Region 2 (n=3)
Region 3 (n=5)
Region 4 (n=3)
Region 5 (n=5)
Total (n=41)
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said
that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.)
Part 1
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 99
0
0
0
0
8
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
33
0
0
0
0
0
0
17
17
0
0
0
2
7
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Time/work too much/etc.
Don't have expertise/don'tknow how
Cost
Too much trouble/too lazy
Don't like the way it makesyour lawn look
Corporations/developers/etc. are not held to same
standard
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=25)
Region 2 (n=3)
Region 3 (n=5)
Region 4 (n=3)
Region 5 (n=5)
Total (n=41)
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said
that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.)
Part 2
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 100
11
53
37
8
58
33
12
65
24
14
52
34
11
58
32
11
56
33
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=549)Region 2 (n=96)Region 3 (n=161)Region 4 (n=87)Region 5 (n=123)Total (n=1016)
Q67. Would you be willing to spend more money on a smaller property lot if you knew that the neighborhood
would have a large area of open space? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 101
WATER QUALITY AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENTQ74. A majority of respondents (70% overall) said that storm water runoff is a major or minor
environmental concern in Delaware (27% said major concern, 43% said minor concern). There
was little regional variation in those saying it was a major or minor concern. However, while
16% overall said storm water runoff is not a concern, there was some regional variation in this
answer, with 26% of Region 4 respondents having said it is not a concern and 13% of Region 5
respondents having said it is not a concern.
Q75. Respondents were asked whether they were aware before the survey that storm water
runoff can impact water quality, and 66% overall said they were aware, and 30% overall were
not aware. There was little regional variation in the results of this question.
Q77. When asked where they thought storm water runoff goes, 60% overall said into streams
and other waterways, 22% overall said into the soil, 18% overall did not know, and 9% overall
said into a treatment plant.
Q69. The most popular answer regarding the types of storm water structures on the respondent’s
property or in the respondent’s neighborhood was that there are no storm water structures (38%
overall), with some regional variation—33% of Region 1 respondents and 49% of Region 5
respondents said there are no storm water structures. Otherwise, the most common structures are
storm drains/gutters (25% overall have these on their property or in their neighborhood),
drainage ditches (19% overall), and storm water ponds (7% overall).
Q72. When those who said that their property or neighborhood contained storm water structures
were asked who maintains those structures, 33% overall said they did not know, 26% overall
said the city, and 9% overall said the state or the county. Individual homeowners were named by
10% of respondents overall.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 102
Q74. Would you say that storm water runoff is a major environmental concern, a minor
environmental concern, or not an environmental concern in Delaware?
16
16
40
27
8
15
49
28
14
45
28
128
26
43
23
15
13
44
28
14
16
43
27
0 20 40 60 80 100
Major concern
Minor concern
Not a concern
Don t know
Percent
Region 1 (n=662)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 103
Q75. Before this survey, would you say that you were aware that storm water runoff can impact
water quality in Delaware?
4
30
66
3
30
67
4
31
64
7
34
59
4
25
71
4
30
66
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 104
Q77. Where do you think that storm water runoff goes?
5
12
18
18
62
8
8
12
27
61
3
26
23
54
5
7
5
17
31
50
1
4
14
28
63
5
9
18
22
60
0 20 40 60 80 100
Into streamsand otherwaterways
Into the soil
Don't know
Into atreatment
plant
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 105
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types?
Part 1
7
20
16
30
33
13
11
26
23
38
7
22
22
42
13
4
10
24
20
46
8
18
17
11
49
7
17
19
25
38
0 20 40 60 80 100
No, there areno storm
waterstructures
Stormdrains/gutters
Drainageditches
Don't know
Storm waterponds
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=104)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 106
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types?
Part 2
0
1
2
2
4
0
0
4
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
2
4
0
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
2
2
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Other
Constructedwetlands
Swales
Barriers/walls
Rain gardens
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=104)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 107
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or
neighborhood has storm water structures.) Part 1
13
7
9
26
34
8
17
14
16
31
2
13
37
28
13
4
16
5
36
29
3
7
15
14
40
9
9
10
26
33
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't know
City
Individualhomeowners
State
County
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=444)
Region 2 (n=65)
Region 3 (n=114)
Region 4 (n=55)
Region 5 (n=72)
Total (n=750)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 108
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or
neighborhood has storm water structures.) Part 2
0
0
3
3
7
0
2
2
11
9
0
0
4
4
1
0
0
0
7
2
3
0
1
7
14
1
1
2
5
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Neighborhood
Developers
Other
Town
Nobody
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=444)
Region 2 (n=65)
Region 3 (n=114)
Region 4 (n=55)
Region 5 (n=72)
Total (n=750)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 109
Q87. When asked if runoff from pet waste is an environmental concern, 15% overall said it is a
major concern, 48% overall said it is a minor concern (for a total of 63% overall expressing
concern), and 27% overall said it is not a concern. There was not a great regional variation.
Q87. Would you say that runoff from pet waste is a major environmental concern, a minor
environmental concern, or not an environmental concern in Delaware?
11
27
46
17
10
28
51
11
25
52
14
88
35
43
13
9
23
52
15
10
27
48
15
0 20 40 60 80 100
Major concern
Minor concern
Not a concern
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 110
Q79. Overall, 11% of respondents indicated that they have a stream or pond on their property, with little variation among regions.
Q80. Of those who have a stream or pond on their property, 38% have an herbaceous border along the bank (the sum of those who answered “herbaceous border” and “both”), 35% have mowed grass along it (the sum of those who answered “mowed grass” and “both”), and 30% have neither along it. There was some regional variation: those having an herbaceous border along the stream or bank ranged from 30% of Region 1 respondents to 57% of Region 4 respondents; those having mowed grass along the stream or bank ranged from 27% of Region 1 respondents to 48% of Region 3 respondents.
Q81. Of those who have a stream or pond on their property and who do not maintain an herbaceous border along it, 49% indicated that they would consider planting a border to protect their property from erosion and to protect water quality, but 29% said they would not consider doing so. Region 4 respondents were the least likely to consider planting an herbaceous border (44%); Regions 2 and 5 were the most likely to do so (60%).
Q83. Of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the stream or pond on their property, only 3 respondents overall said that they would not do so because they do not think their behavior (i.e., not doing so) is wrong, 3 respondents overall said they did not have the time to do so, and 2 respondents overall said the cost was prohibitive, said they were not concerned, said they did not like the way it looks, or said an herbaceous border would attract undesirable animals and/or insects.
Q85. Of those who have a stream or pond on their property and who do not maintain an herbaceous border along it, 47% overall said they would be very or somewhat likely to plant an herbaceous border if they were provided cost-sharing and technical support, and 30% overall would be somewhat or very unlikely to do so.
Q86. Of those who have a stream or pond on their property and who do not maintain an herbaceous border along it, 49% overall said they would be very or somewhat likely to plant an herbaceous border if they were provided an aesthetically pleasing design that maintains a partial view of the stream or pond, but 25% overall said they would be somewhat or very unlikely to do so.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 111
Q79. Do you have a stream or a pond on your property?
1
90
10
0
84
16
0
87
13
0
85
15
1
87
13
0
88
11
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 112
Q80. Do you maintain mowed grass or an herbaceous border along the bank? (Asked of
those who said that they have a stream or pond on their property.)
21
24
37
6
13
24
41
18
6
12
22
26
15
30
7
21
36
21
21
0
22
22
28
22
6
22
25
30
13
9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Mowed grass
Herbaceousborder
Neither
Both
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=63)Region 2 (n=17)Region 3 (n=27)Region 4 (n=14)Region 5 (n=18)Total (n=139)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 113
44
26
30
60
30
10
50
38
13
50
33
17
60
30
10
49
29
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=43)Region 2 (n=10)Region 3 (n=16)Region 4 (n=6)Region 5 (n=10)Total (n=85)
Q81. Would you consider planting an herbaceous border if you knew that it would protect your property
from erosion and protect overall stream and water quality? (Asked of those who said they have a stream
or pond on their property and they do not plant an herbaceous border along it.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 114
2
2
0
0
6
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
2
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
3
3
4
4
9
0 2 4 6 8 10
Other
Don't know
Rent
Don't thinkmy behavior
is wrong
Time/worktoo much/etc.
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Frequency
Region 1 (n=12)
Region 2 (n=3)
Region 3 (n=6)
Region 4 (n=2)
Region 5 (n=3)
Total (n=26)
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the
water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond
or stream on their property.) Part 1
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 115
0
2
2
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
2
2
2
0 2 4 6 8 10
Cost
Not concerned
Don't like theway it looks
Increaseundesirable
animals/insects(snakes,
mosquitoes,etc.)
Too muchtrouble/too lazy
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Frequency
Region 1 (n=12)
Region 2 (n=3)
Region 3 (n=6)
Region 4 (n=2)
Region 5 (n=3)
Total (n=26)
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting a herbaceous border along the water
on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond
or stream on their property.) Part 2
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 116
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Don't haveexpertise
Safety
Not aware thatmy behavior is
a problem
Don't want toblock view
Corporations/developers/etc.are not held tosame standard
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Frequency
Region 1 (n=12)
Region 2 (n=3)
Region 3 (n=6)
Region 4 (n=2)
Region 5 (n=3)
Total (n=26)
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting a herbaceous border along the
water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the
pond or stream on their property.) Part 3
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 117
22
18
9
0
13
38
30
20
0
0
20
30
12
41
12
6
24
6
0
17
17
0
50
17
25
17
8
8
17
25
20
22
8
3
16
31
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhatunlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=45)Region 2 (n=10)Region 3 (n=17)Region 4 (n=6)Region 5 (n=12)Total (n=90)
Q85. If you received cost-sharing and technical support, would you be likely or unlikely to plant a
stream or pond bank border? (Asked of those who said they have a stream of pond on their property and
they do not plant an herbaceous border along it.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 118
25
18
5
5
18
30
22
11
0
0
22
44
12
29
12
12
29
6
0
17
0
0
33
50
27
18
9
9
18
18
21
20
5
6
18
31
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely norunlikely
Somewhatunlikely
Very unlikely
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=44)Region 2 (n=9)Region 3 (n=17)Region 4 (n=6)Region 5 (n=11)Total (n=87)
Q86. Would you plant an herbaceous border if you were provided a design that is pleasing to the eye and maintains a partial view of the stream or pond? (Asked of those who said they have a stream of pond on their property and they do not plant an herbaceous border
along it.)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 119
Q90. Respondents were asked if they do any of several practices that help to mitigate adverse
impacts to water quality from storm water runoff. The following answers were given by a
majority of respondents: limiting the use of salt on paved areas in winter (70% overall did this),
followed by being more diligent in keeping their street-side gutter clear (63% overall), moving
their drain spouts so the runoff flows onto the lawn instead of the driveway (60% overall),
cleaning up and properly disposing of pet waste (59% overall), and collecting motor oil and
disposing of it properly (56% overall). There was little regional variation in the results.
Q92. Of those who do not do the practices to mitigate adverse impacts to water quality, 30%
overall said that they do not know their behavior is a problem, and 10% overall said that they do
not think their behavior is wrong.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 120
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? Part 1
61
58
67
69
54
64
59
69
63
58
72
5655
52
51
67
61
63
58
75
59
60
63
70
0 20 40 60 80 100
Limit the use of salt onpaved areas in winter?
Be more diligent in keepingyour street-side gutter
clear?
Move drain spouts so runoffflows onto lawn instead of
driveway?
Clean up and properlydispose of your pet's waste?
(of those with a pet) (totaln=961)
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 121
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? Part 2
18
27
33
43
53
21
34
44
51
60
28
37
47
63
40
28
44
35
52
56
26
41
46
52
60
22
33
37
46
56
0 20 40 60 80 100
Collect motor oil and dispose ofit properly? (of those whochange their own oil) (total
n=971)
Plan your landscape withenvironmental health in mind?
Reduce impervious surfacesand replace w/ more pervious
materials?
Use biodegradable detergentswhen washing your car? (of
those with a car) (total n=1142)
Wash your car on your lawn?(of those with a car) (total
n=1142)
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 122
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? Part 3
1
11
12
16
14
2
3
13
16
21
2
18
10
13
7
0
6
9
9
8
1
5
17
13
20
1
8
13
14
15
0 20 40 60 80 100
Constructswales on
yourproperty?
Use rainbarrels to
collect stormwater?
Plant raingardens on
yourproperty?
None of these
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 123
10
10
19
23
29
9
11
18
18
29
8
18
16
32
12
15
12
17
12
26
9
12
22
17
32
10
11
19
20
30
0 20 40 60 80 100
Not awarethat my
behavior is aproblem
Don't own apet
Don't changemy own oil
Don't know
Don't thinkmy behavior
is wrong
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the
impact of storm water runoff from your property?Part 1
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 124
7
7
6
7
9
8
1
6
9
9
6
6
7
6
7
4
10
6
2
4
6
6
4
17
3
7
8
5
8
8
5
6
7
7
8
9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Not concerned
Don't landscape
Don't need to/don't have areason to/not a problem
here
Time/work
Other
Not an owner
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could
reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property?
Part 2
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 125
2
2
3
3
5
6
2
1
4
5
3
3
2
2
5
3
4
2
2
2
0
3
0
3
2
5
2
2
5
6
2
3
3
4
4
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't have anautomobile
Too muchtrouble/too
lazy
Cost
Not myresponsibility
Already do alot
Don't washcar at home
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the
impact of storm water runoff from your property?Part 3
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 126
0
0
1
1
2
2
0
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
0
0
2
1
5
0
1
1
1
0
2
3
0
0
1
1
2
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Age
Maintained byothers
Lack ofinformation
Don't like theway it
looks/aesthetics
The statedoesn't do it
Safety
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the
impact of storm water runoff from your property?Part 4
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 127
BEHAVIOR CHANGES AND WATER QUALITYQ95. Respondents were asked if they would be more likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality leads to certain conditions. Large
majorities (70% or more overall) said they would be more likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew each of the conditions listed may result, with little regional
variation.
Q96. Respondents were asked if they would be more or less likely to change their behavior to
help improve water quality if they knew that doing so would help protect future generations, and
90% overall said they would be much more likely or somewhat more likely to do so in that
situation. There was little regional variation. Of the four questions about behavior changes and
water quality (Questions 96 through 99), this question had the highest percentage saying they
would be much more likely or somewhat more likely to change their behavior to help improve
water quality in the given situation.
Q97. Respondents were asked if they would be more or less likely to change their behavior to
help improve water quality if they received a tax break for doing so, and 78% overall said they
would be much more likely or somewhat more likely to do so in that situation. There was little
regional variation.
Q98. Respondents were asked if they would be more or less likely to change their behavior to
help improve water quality if they had to pay a small fee on their property tax bill but they knew
it was being used for conservation purposes, and 63% overall said they would be much more
likely or somewhat more likely to do so in that situation. There was little regional variation. Of
the four questions about behavior changes and water quality, this question had the lowest
percentage saying they would be much more likely or somewhat more likely to change their
behavior to help improve water quality in the given situation.
Q99. Respondents were asked if they would be more or less likely to change their behavior to
help improve water quality if they received financial assistance for implementing conservation
practices to reduce storm water runoff, and 70% overall said they would be much more likely or
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 128
somewhat more likely to do so in that situation. There was a slight regional variation, with 66%
of Region 5 respondents having said that they would be much more likely or somewhat more
likely to do so and 81% of Region 2 respondents having said that they would be much more
likely or somewhat more likely to do so.
Q101. Finally, respondents were asked for the main reasons that they do not take greater
measures to improve water quality, and a majority (52% overall) said that they already do as
much as possible. Relatively low percentages answered that they are not aware of the problem
(12% overall) or do not know what to do (11% overall).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 129
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew
that poor water quality leads to the following? Part 1
78
79
78
80
79
78
82
83
73
74
76
7370
71
71
74
75
75
77
77
76
77
77
79
0 20 40 60 80 100
Unsafedrinkingwater?
Increasedfish kills?
Healthhazards from
pollutedwater whilewading or
swimming?
Healthhazards to
yourchildren?
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 130
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew
that poor water quality leads to the following? Part 2
74
75
76
77
79
76
79
78
68
72
73
6967
66
72
70
73
73
78
74
73
73
76
76
0 20 40 60 80 100
Geneticmutationsand birthdefects?
Degradedaquatichabitat?
Swimmingareas havingto be closed?
Fishing areashaving to be
closed?
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 131
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew
that poor water quality leads to the following? Part 3
4
5
9
71
73
2
4
8
76
78
6
14
69
68
4
3
7
10
65
66
2
4
15
69
73
4
5
11
70
72
0 20 40 60 80 100
A lessdiverse
ecosystem?
Lowerpropertyvalues?
I've alreadyaltered my
behavior/I dothese things
None ofthese
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 132
Q96. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you
knew that you could help protect future generations?
2
2
0
2
13
79
33
2
1
0
2
17
75
6
2
1
2
16
73
1
6
6
1
0
1
18
67
7
1
1
1
1
12
77
4
2
1
0
1
14
76
0 20 40 60 80 100
Much morelikely
Somewhat morelikely
It would notinfluence my
decision
Somewhat lesslikely
Much less likely
Don't know
I have alreadychanged my
behavior
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 133
Q97. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you
received a tax break?
4
2
0
12
16
62
42
3
3
1
6
16
70
7
2
3
10
13
63
2
6
5
1
3
8
14
62
8
4
4
1
9
14
61
5
4
2
1
11
15
63
0 20 40 60 80 100
Much morelikely
Somewhat morelikely
It would notinfluence my
decision
Somewhat lesslikely
Much less likely
Don't know
I have alreadychanged my
behavior
Percent
Region 1 (n=662)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 134
12
10
4
4
29
36
42
6
16
8
3
27
38
7
10
14
5
26
31
7
5
13
15
4
4
27
32
8
5
10
5
6
28
38
5
11
12
5
5
28
35
0 20 40 60 80 100
Much morelikely
Somewhat morelikely
It would notinfluence my
decision
Somewhat lesslikely
Much less likely
Don't know
I have alreadychanged my
behavior
Percent
Region 1 (n=664)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1202)
Q98. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you had to
pay a small fee in your property tax bill but you knew that it was being used for conservation purposes?
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 135
10
5
3
10
20
49
42
7
4
2
4
15
66
7
7
7
6
22
49
3
6
10
2
4
6
24
47
11
8
6
2
7
19
47
5
9
5
3
8
20
50
0 20 40 60 80 100
Much morelikely
Somewhat morelikely
It would notinfluence my
decision
Somewhat lesslikely
Much less likely
Don't know
I have alreadychanged my
behavior
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=97)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1200)
Q99. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you received
financial assistance for implementing conservation practices to reduce storm water runoff?
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 136
Q96-Q99. Percent saying they would be much more or somewhat more likely to change their behavior to
help improve water quality under the following conditions/situations (not including those who responded that they had already changed their
behavior).
91
77
68
65
92
85
82
6557
89
76
71
86
77
71
5866
66
75
89
63
70
78
90
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q96. ... if you knew that youcould help protect future
generations?
Q97. ... if you received a taxbreak?
Q99. ... if you receivedfinancial assistance for
implementing conservationpractices to reduce storm
water runoff?
Q98. ... if you had to pay asmall fee in your property taxbill but you knew that it wasbeing used for conservation
purposes?
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 137
Q96-Q99. Percent saying they would be much more likely to change their behavior to help improve
water quality under the following conditions/situations (not including those who responded that they had already changed their
behavior).
79
62
49
36
75
70
66
3831
73
63
49
67
62
47
32
77
61
47
38
76
63
50
35
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q96. ... if you knew that youcould help protect future
generations?
Q97. ... if you received a taxbreak?
Q99. ... if you receivedfinancial assistance for
implementing conservationpractices to reduce storm
water runoff?
Q98. ... if you had to pay asmall fee in your property taxbill but you knew that it wasbeing used for conservation
purposes?
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 138
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality?
Part 1
6
8
8
12
14
51
6
11
11
13
12
43
8
6
12
12
53
8
13
3
9
8
5
49
9
5
7
7
9
61
7
7
9
11
12
52
0 20 40 60 80 100
I do as muchas possible
Not aware ofthe problem
Don't knowwhat to do
Time/worktoo much/etc.
Other
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 139
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality?
Part 2
2
2
3
2
4
7
4
1
4
3
6
9
1
2
4
7
7
2
1
1
2
3
6
3
1
1
1
4
1
5
2
2
2
3
4
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't knowwhere to getinformation
Cost
Notconcerned
Too muchtrouble/too
lazy
Renter
Don't feel theresponsibility
to doanything
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 140
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality?
Part 3
1
1
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Feel that individual actionsdon't have any impact
Age
Too much maintenance
Don't like the way itlooks/aesthetics
State doesn't holdcorporations/developers/etc.
to same standard
Feel that the state is notsetting a good example
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=98)
Region 5 (n=141)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 141
GENERAL WATER QUALITY ISSUES—STATEMENT RATINGSQ104-112. Respondents were asked to rate nine statements regarding their importance as a
reason for taking greater measures to protect Delaware’s water quality. The statements were
rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most important and 10 being the least important.
While all statements have very low means for respondents overall (the highest was only 2.61
overall), the statements with the lowest means (i.e., the most important) are “It is important to
protect Delaware’s water quality so that we don’t become sick from contaminants” (mean of
1.35 overall), “It is important to protect Delaware’s water quality for future generations” (mean
of 1.39 overall), and “A clean environment protects Delaware’s residents’ health” (mean of 1.48
overall). The statement with the highest mean rating (i.e., the least important) is “Keeping
Delaware’s inland and coastal waterways in good health is important for tourism” (mean of 2.61
overall).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 142
Q104-Q112. Rate the importance of the following statements as a reason to take greater measures to
protect water quality. Part 1
1.36
1.39
1.48
1.42
1.23
1.27
1.62
1.51
1.45
1.45
1.43
1.35
1.34
1.30
1.25
1.48
1.39
1.35
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00
Q108. It isimportant to
protectDelaware's
water quality sothat we don'tbecome sick
fromcontaminants
Q107. It isimportant to
protectDelaware's
water quality forfuture
generations
Q110. A cleanenvironment
protectsDelaware's
residents' health
Mean of Rating: 1=Most Important, 10=Least Important
Region 1 (n=653)
Region 2 (n=101)
Region 3 (n=192)
Region 4 (n=96)
Region 5 (n=138)
Total (n=1181)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 143
Q104-Q112. Rate the importance of the following statements as a reason to take greater measures to
protect water quality. Part 2
1.46
1.55
1.69
1.88
1.52
1.39
1.93
1.72
1.59
1.89
1.72
1.63
1.66
1.42
1.38
1.76
1.57
1.48
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50
Q105. We allhave a
responsibility-individuals, thegovernment,
business, andindustry-to keepour waterways
clean
Q104. We havea right to cleanwater becausewater pollutionthreatens the
health ofourselves,
family, futuregenerations
Q106. Allpeople inDelaware
benefit from theprotection of the
state's waterquality
Mean of Rating: 1=Most Important, 10=Least Important
Region 1 (n=653)
Region 2 (n=101)
Region 3 (n=192)
Region 4 (n=96)
Region 5 (n=138)
Total (n=1181)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 144
Q104-Q112. Rate the importance of the following statements as a reason to take greater measures to
protect water quality. Part 3
2.04
2.19
2.62
2.61
1.92
1.98
2.80
2.09
2.29
2.65
1.63
1.73
2.24
1.82
1.79
2.61
2.06
2.02
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
Q111. A cleanenvironment is
good for theeconomy
Q109. KeepingDelaware'sinland and
coastalwaterways ingood health isimportant for
tourism
Q112. A cleanand healthyenvironmentcan help toenhance
property values
Mean of Rating: 1=Most Important, 10=Least Important
Region 1 (n=653)
Region 2 (n=101)
Region 3 (n=192)
Region 4 (n=96)
Region 5 (n=138)
Total (n=1181)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 145
DNREC POLICY MAKING AND PUBLIC INPUTQ116. A majority of respondents (58% overall) said they would be very or somewhat interested
in attending meetings to provide public input into state policy on water quality, with little
regional variation in the results.
Q118. Asked about their preferred method of receiving information about water quality, a
majority (69% overall) said brochures mailed to their house would be the preferred method, by
far the leading answer. Newspapers were the preferred method of 16% overall, the Internet was
the preferred method of 12% overall, and television was the preferred method of 11% overall.
There was little regional variation.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 146
Q116. If you knew that DNREC is seeking public input to help shape state policy on water quality,
would you be interested in attending these meetings?
3
40
39
18
1
41
36
22
34
37
24
54
40
35
20
4
30
41
25
3
38
38
20
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very interested
Somewhatinterested
Not at allinterested
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 147
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality?
Part 1
5
10
12
17
69
3
4
14
13
73
4
9
15
68
15
5
10
12
16
68
4
13
11
15
68
5
11
12
16
69
0 20 40 60 80 100
Brochuresmailed to your
house
Newspapers
Internet/WWW
TV
Radio
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=661)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=99)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 148
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality?
Part 2
0
1
2
2
3
4
1
1
1
4
1
3
1
1
2
4
5
2
3
3
3
3
4
5
1
1
1
3
3
6
1
1
2
2
3
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't know
Magazines
Other
Meetings
Demonstrations
Schools
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Region 1 (n=661)
Region 2 (n=103)
Region 3 (n=194)
Region 4 (n=99)
Region 5 (n=142)
Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 149
CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLE AND OTHER DEMOGRAPHIC DATAQ24. The need to match survey participants to Delaware’s regions necessitated the use of listed
telephone numbers with known locations. For this reason, there was a higher percentage of
homeowners in the sample than in the general population (according to the Delaware Economic
Development Office, 71.7% of Delaware residents owned their own home in 1998—see
http://www.state.de.us/dedo/new_web_site/frames/demographic.html). This occurred because
the sampling procedure intentionally favored those with known, established addresses, which in
turn biased against transient people (i.e., renters) who do not own property. Among the sample,
77% are homeowners. Regions 1 and 3 had the lowest percentage of homeowners (75%);
Region 2 had the highest percentage of homeowners (85%).
Q125. In looking at the means of acreage owned, there is substantial regional variation:
Region 1 respondents have the smallest mean lot (0.99 acres); Region 4 respondents have the
largest mean lot (20.24 acres). The mean of all respondents’ lots is 4.63 acres.
Q126. While 41% of respondents overall were part of a neighborhood association and 53% of
respondents overall were not part of a neighborhood association, there was much regional
variation. Region 1 had the highest percentage of respondents in a neighborhood association
(51%), and Regions 4 and 3 had the lowest percentage of respondents in a neighborhood
association (17% and 19%, respectively).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 150
Q24. Are you a homeowner?
0
25
75
0
15
85
1
25
75
0
18
82
0
16
84
0
23
77
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1202)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 151
Q125. What is the total number of acres you own in Delaware?
0.99
4.26
5.23
20.24
9.52
4.63
0 5 10 15 20 25
Means
Region 1 (n=544)Region 2 (n=91)Region 3 (n=172)Region 4 (n=84)Region 5 (n=124)Total (n=1015)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 152
Q126. Are you part of a neighborhood association?
7
43
51
2
52
46
4
77
19
5
78
17
4
55
41
5
53
41
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 153
Q122. The most commonly given answer overall and among each region regarding the number
of years the respondent has lived in Delaware was over 25 years (49% overall, ranging from 35%
of Region 5 respondents to 53% of Region 1 respondents). Otherwise, the responses were fairly
well distributed among categories.
Q123. A majority of respondents overall (58% overall) and in each region did not consider
themselves Delaware natives. Region 5 had the highest percentage of respondents who were not
native (69%); Region 1 had the lowest percentage of non-natives (54%).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 154
Q122. For how many years have you lived in Delaware?
10
7
9
6
8
53
6
10
2
18
14
6
9
7
45
1
4
12
8
10
9
46
10
2
3
13
7
6
12
5
51
1
2
23
16
10
6
6
35
1
4
13
9
9
8
7
49
0 20 40 60 80 100
Over 25 years
21-25 years
16-20 years
11-15 years
6-10 years
5 years or less
Refused
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=661)Region 2 (n=107)Region 3 (n=196)Region 4 (n=92)Region 5 (n=154)Total (n=1210)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 155
Q123. Are you a Delaware native?
5
54
40
1
65
34
4
61
35
4
56
40
4
69
27
4
58
37
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=662)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1199)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 156
Q121 and 124. A plurality of respondents indicated that their place of residence is in a suburban
area (43% overall), followed by small city or town (27%) and rural area (21%). Only 5%
considered their place of residence to be in a large city or urban area. Regions 1 and 2 are the
most urbanized; Regions 4 and 5 are the most rural. Following the graph for place of residence
is the graph for county of residence for respondents overall.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 157
Q121. Do you consider your place of residence to be in a large city, a suburban area, a small
city/town, or a rural area?
6
5
21
62
7
1
31
21
46
1
4
39
18
4
35
5
58
29
8
0
4
42
39
12
2
5
21
27
43
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Large city orurban area
Suburban area
Small city ortown
Rural area
Refused
Percent
Region 1 (n=662)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=193)Region 4 (n=97)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1197)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 158
Q124. What is your county of residence?
3
61
19
17
0 20 40 60 80 100
Kent
Sussex
New Castle
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 159
Q127. The need to match survey participants to Delaware’s regions necessitated the use of listed telephone numbers with known locations. For this reason, there may be a higher percentage of retired people in the sample than in the general population. This would occur because the sampling procedure intentionally favored those with known, established addresses, which in turn biased against transient people (i.e., renters), who typically are younger and are actively engaged in the work force. The following formula was used to judge the accuracy of the percentage of retirees.
Total % Working = [Total Labor Force ÷ (Total Population – Those Under 16)] x 100
The numbers that were used, from 1998, are as follows, obtained from the Delaware Economic Development Office—see http://www.state.de.us/dedo/new_web_site/frames/demographic.html:
Total % Working = [413,400 ÷ (760,600 – 173,300)] x 100Total % Working = [413,400 ÷ 587,300] x 100Total % Working = [.7039] x 100Total % Working = 70.39%
This formula found that 70.4% of the population was actively engaged in the work force in 1998, which means that 29.6% were not. This compares well with the percentage of the sample who indicated that they are retired (27%). The categories of respondents’ profession are shown in the graphs on the following pages. The top answer was retired (27% overall), with substantial regional variation—Region 2 had the lowest percentage saying they are retired (15%), and Region 5 had the highest percentage saying they are retired (39%).
Q129. Overall, 61% of respondents had taken some college courses, and 39% overall had graduated from college. While there is little variation among regions in college attendance (the percentage having taken some college courses ranged from 57% of Region 3 respondents to 66% of Region 2 respondents), there is some variation in those having graduated from college: 29% of those from Regions 3 and 4 graduated from college, but 44% of those from Region 1 had graduated college.
Q132. Household incomes, in general, followed a bell curve with the peak overall in the $20,000 to $39,999 category. The regional variation was most evident in Region 2 responses, which were skewed to the high end (for instance, 17% of Region 2 respondents said their total household income is in the category of $100,000 to $149,999, the next highest percentage in this category is 8% of Region 1 respondents).
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 160
Q127. Which of these categories best describes your profession?
Part 1
7
8
9
13
13
25
3
8
13
11
11
15
5
7
12
20
26
5
3
12
6
9
12
31
5
8
5
8
13
39
6
8
8
12
14
27
0 20 40 60 80 100
Retired
Public service
Other
Industry
Teaching/education
Refused
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 161
Q127. Which of these categories best describes your profession?
Part 2
1
2
4
5
5
4
2
3
6
5
6
8
2
3
3
4
8
1
2
8
2
4
3
3
1
3
1
3
3
4
1
3
3
4
5
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Construction/development
Consulting
Homemaker
Accounting/finance
Agriculture/farming
Student
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 162
Q127. Which of these categories best describes your profession?
Part 3
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
1
1
5
1
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
2
0
0
0
1
1
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Medical
Unemployed
Sales
Disabled
Don't know
Military
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=104)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 163
Q129. What is the highest grade level you have completed in school?
7
17
27
20
25
4
3
13
29
24
26
5
6
10
28
30
7
19
7
14
15
23
31
9
5
15
25
21
27
8
6
15
24
22
27
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Grades 1-12,but no HSdiploma
High schoolgraduate orequivalent
Some college ortrade school
Collegegraduate
Graduate orprofessional
degree
Refused
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1201)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 164
Q132. Which of these categories best describes your total household income before taxes last
year?
14
13
8
7
8
5
5
37
33
24
3
9
15
17
9
17
5
3
28
11
19
17
5
5
2
10
5
34
5
19
15
10
6
4
1
4
27
8
17
16
11
8
5
4
3
33
6
15
14
10
7
8
4
0 20 40 60 80 100
$150,000 ormore
$100,000 to$149,999
$80,000 to$99,999
$60,000 to$79,999
$40,000 to$59,999
$20,000 to$39,999
Less than$20,000
Refused
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=193)Region 4 (n=97)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1197)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 165
Q130. A strong majority of respondents (79% overall) identified themselves as white; the next
largest group is African-Americans (8% overall). Regions 2 and 5 are the most white (86% and
87%, respectively); Regions 1 and 3 are the least white (76% and 75%, respectively).
Q133. The ages of respondents overall were fairly evenly distributed among categories. The
regional variation that is most evident is in Region 2 responses, which are skewed to the younger
age categories, and Region 5 responses, which are skewed to the older age categories. For
instance, only 11% of Region 2 respondents were in the 65 years old or older category, but 31%
of Region 5 respondents were in this category. Also, 29% of Region 2 respondents were in the
35 to 44 years old category, compared with 18% or less for all other regions in this category.
Q135. Overall, 43% of the sample were male, and 57% were female, with little regional
variation.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 166
Q130. What race or ethnic background do you consider yourself?
0
2
0
8
76
1
3
104
0
0
1
0
8
86
1
7
3
0
0
12
75
3
1
10
0
0
0
0
4
83
3
6
2
0
0
1
4
87
1
9
2
0
1
0
8
79
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Hispanic
White
African-American
Native American
Asian-American
Don't know
Other
Refused
Percent
Region 1 (n=664)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=195)Region 4 (n=98)Region 5 (n=142)Total (n=1202)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 167
Q133. And finally, may I ask your age?
5
14
17
19
14
21
1
94
0
7
17
29
19
13
11
7
2
7
11
19
15
22
18
9
1
4
8
14
21
19
22
5
1
5
8
10
17
21
31
8
1
6
13
17
19
16
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
65 or older
55-64 years old
45-54 years old
35-44 years old
25-34 years old
18-24 years old
Don't know
Refused
Percent
Region 1 (n=659)Region 2 (n=109)Region 3 (n=193)Region 4 (n=93)Region 5 (n=153)Total (n=1207)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 168
Q135. Gender of respondent (not asked, but observed by interviewer)
0
58
42
0
50
50
0
56
44
0
60
40
1
56
43
0
57
43
0 20 40 60 80 100
Male
Female
Don't know
Percent
Region 1 (n=663)Region 2 (n=103)Region 3 (n=194)Region 4 (n=99)Region 5 (n=141)Total (n=1200)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 169
ADDITIONAL COMMENTSQ134. That’s the end of the questionnaire, thank you very much for your time and cooperation! (Enter any additional comments)A lot of polluters that aren’t monitored at the point of discharge were found to pollute, nothing’s done because of politics. I appreciate what you are doing and believe it is a worthy cause. Catch basins are good, but they attract lots of mosquitoes, so something needs to be done. I’m concerned that muskrat and other wildlife populations are decreasing. These issues are democratic bullshit. Development deeply affects water pollution because the water has nowhere to return. DNREC is doing a good job. DNREC should pay more attention to the Indian river. Power plants and poultry plants ought to be regulated on it better. I’m a doctor of pathology and am interested in survey results. Educating the public and showing methods—maybe a model house showing conservation methods. I’m glad to see that something can be done. Helpful information in survey, I will try to do more now that I am more informed. I am a fisherman, and water quality is very important to me. I appreciate this survey. I do not feel that an individual’s actions are really responsible for water quality. It is the industries that have an effect. I think that air quality is just as important too. I think you are doing a great job. It is good to inform the public about these issues. If DNREC wants to do public service announcements about water, it would be good to inform the public about the issues. Ignorance is what is destroying the environment. In order to get the ball rolling with improving water quality, you need to get the politicians to improve legislation. Individual homeowners need to be aware of their impact. Runoff should be in the forefront. Fine industry polluters. I am interested in receiving any information you have to offer. The more education that DNREC applies to the businesses and residents, and financial aid, etc.—things will be better. Education! Most people would welcome knowing how they could improve environmental areas. I realize that environmental issues at these times is very important. Since the land is being utilized, where is all of the water going to come from? The state should be aware of overall environmental deterioration. The state should have mandatory recycling laws. The chemical companies and the farmers will continue to win because they have the money. The county doesn’t do its part in New Castle or Sussex, and water quality is very poor. There needs to be a lot more information sent out on water to the public.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 170
Additional Comments (continued)Tip: You can use water from dehumidifiers to water plants. It conserves water during this drought. UAP needs to be made to clean up the spill that occurred on 6/10. It has never been cleaned up. DNREC needs to get on the bus. Web-based information would be nice. Well water needs to be tested; the state no longer offers this service, and I believe it is incredibly important. Why do I have to pay water taxes and have to buy bottled water. I work for DNREC. I am very interested in which portion is sponsoring this survey.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 171
ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ON SURVEY RESPONSESANALYSIS METHODOLOGYFor this report, a nonparametric analysis examined how the various responses related to
demographic characteristics. Responses for selected questions were tested by means of z-scores
for relationships to demographic characteristics. A positive z-scores means that the response and
characteristic are positively related; a negative z-score means that the response and characteristic
are negatively related. For each z-score tabulation, only the statistically significant relationships
are shown, which are those greater than +1.96 (positive correlation) or those less than -1.96
(negative correlation). If no statistically significant relationships exist for a particular question
(i.e., if all the z-scores for a particular question were less than +1.96 and more than -1.96), there
is no table.
The top of the tabulation shows the strongest positive correlation; the bottom of the tabulation
shows the strongest negative correlation. The arrows show that the positive correlation increases
towards the top of the tabulation and the negative correlation increases towards the bottom of the
tabulation. The absence of arrows on some small tables was simply due to lack of room to
graphically portray the arrows.
The asterisks on the z-scores show the strength of the relationship between the demographic
characteristics and the response to the question. Those z-scores that have an absolute value of
3.30 or above have three asterisks—three asterisks indicate that the relationship is so strong that
it would happen by chance only 1 out of 1,000 times. Those z-scores that have an absolute value
of 2.58 to 3.29 have two asterisks—two asterisks indicate that the relationship is so strong that it
would happen by chance only 1 out of 100 times. Finally, those z-scores that have an absolute
value of 1.96 to 2.58 have one asterisk—one asterisk indicates that the relationship is so strong
that it would happen by chance only 5 out of 100 times.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 172
The z-scores are calculated as shown in the formula below.
where: n1 represents the number of observations in Row 1.n2 represents the number of observations in Row 2.p1 = a/(a + b) = a/n1 and represents the proportion of observations in Row 1 that
falls in Cell a. It is employed to estimate the population proportion Π1.p2 = c/(c + d) = c/n2 and represents the proportion of observations in Row 2 that
falls in Cell c. It is employed to estimate the population proportion Π2.p = (a + c)/(n1 + n2) = (a + c)/n and is a pooled estimate of the proportion of
observations in Column 1 in the underlying population.
(Equation from Handbook of Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Procedures, 2nd Edition by David J. Sheskin. © 2000, Chapman & Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, FL.)
The demographic characteristics examined include:
gender, age, ethnicity, income level, education level, profession, location of residence—the county of residence, the region of residence, and the character
of the location (i.e., rural, small city or town, suburban, urban or large city), length of time living in Delaware and whether the respondent is a native, and acreage owned.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 173
OVERALL HEALTH OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND IMPORTANT ISSUESThe demographic characteristics correlate to opinions on overall health and the natural
resource/environmental issues that are deemed to be important as follows:
Gender: Males were more likely than were females to say that the overall environment
in Delaware is healthy.
Age: Those over 65 years of age were more likely than were those in other age groups to
say that water quality and water quantity are not important issues.
Ethnicity: Whites were more likely than were those in other ethnic groups not to say
that the overall environment in Delaware is healthy.
Income Level: Those with household incomes less than $40,000 were more likely than
were those in other income groups to say that water quantity is an important issue.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than
were those in other education groups not to say that the overall environment in Delaware
is healthy. Those without a high school diploma were more likely than were those from
other education groups not to say that water quality and water quantity are important
issues.
Profession: Those in industry were more likely than were those in other professions to
say that the overall environment is healthy. Those in consulting or teaching/education
professions were more likely than were those in other professions to say that water
quality and water quantity are important issues, and those in teaching/education were
more likely than were those in other professions to say that air quality is an important
issue.
Residence Location: The location of respondent’s residence had a large effect on the
responses, as demonstrated by the following findings. Those in Region 4, 3, or 5 were
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 174
more likely than were those from Region 1 or 2 to say that the overall environment in
Delaware is healthy; those in Sussex or Kent County were more likely than were those in
New Castle County to say that the overall environment in Delaware is healthy; and those
in a rural area or a small city/town were more likely than were those in other types of
residential location to say that the overall environment in Delaware is healthy.
Those in New Castle County, particularly Region 1, were more likely than were those
from other counties/regions to say that water quantity and air quality are important issues.
Those living in a suburban area were more likely than were those from other types of
residential location to say that air quality is an important issue. Those in Region 5 and
those living in a rural area were more likely than were those from other regions or types
of residential areas to say that overdevelopment is an important issue.
Length of Time Living in Delaware and Nativity: Those who are not a Delaware
native were more likely than were those who are a Delaware native to say that the overall
environment is healthy.
Those who have lived in Delaware over 25 years were more likely than were those who
have lived in Delaware for 25 or fewer years to say that water quantity is an important
issue. Those who are a Delaware native were more likely than were those who are not a
Delaware native to say that air quality is an important issue. Those who are not a
Delaware native were more likely than were those who are a Delaware native to say that
overdevelopment is an important issue.
Acreage Owned: Those who own more than 100 acres were more likely than were those
who own 100 acres or less to say that the overall environment in Delaware is healthy.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 175
Q5. Overall, how healthy do you think the environment is in Delaware? Would you say it is healthy or unhealthy? (Response analyzed: healthy)
Male
4.67***
Resides in Region 4 4.23***Sussex County resident 3.84***
Kent County resident
3.76***
Not a neighborhood association member 3.14**Resides in Region 3 3.13**Resides in Region 5 2.95**Resides in rural area 2.56*Asian-American 2.51*Owns over 100 acres 2.50*Not a Delaware native 2.18*Profession: Industry 2.10*Resides in small city or town 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Homemaker
-2.00*
55-64 years old -2.03*White -2.03*Unemployed -2.37*Graduate or professional degree -2.65**Is a Delaware native -2.98**Neighborhood association member -3.95***
Most likely to say the
environment is healthy
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 176
Resides in suburban area
-4.10***
Female -4.51***Resides in Region 1 -6.02***New Castle County resident -6.51***
Most likely not to say the environment
is healthy
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 177
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said water quality.)
Profession: Consulting
4.08***
35-44 years old 2.95**Some college or trade school 2.72**
Profession: Teaching/education
2.49*
Hispanic 2.36*Profession: Public service 2.21*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.06*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.25*
Retired
-2.45*
No high school diploma -2.48*65 years or older -2.50*
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said water quantity.)
Resides in Region 1
3.94***
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 3.36***Graduate or professional degree 3.32***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
3.05**
Profession: Teaching/education 2.92**New Castle County resident 2.56*Profession: Consulting 2.34*Owns less than 1 acre 2.08*
Most likely to say water quality is important
Most likely not to say
water quality is important
Most likely to say water quantity is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 178
Some college or trade school 2.02*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Other type of profession
-2.06*
65 years or older -2.08*Owns 1 to 20 acres -2.10*Lived in Delaware over 25 years -2.33*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.62**Resides in Region 3 -2.67**Is a Delaware native -2.71**
Sussex County resident
-2.77**
Resides in rural area -2.78**No high school diploma -3.15**Income less than $20,000 -3.38***High school graduate or equivalent -4.43***
Most likely not to say
water quantity is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 179
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said air quality.)
New Castle County resident
4.68***
Resides in suburban area 4.59***
Resides in Region 1
3.93***
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 3.32***Profession: Teaching/education 2.66**Is a Delaware native 2.03*Some college or trade school 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Kent County resident
-1.97*
Resides in Region 3 -2.08*Hispanic -2.68**
High school graduate or equivalent
-3.26**
Sussex County resident -3.27**Resides in Region 5 -3.64***Resides in rural area -3.89***
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said overdevelopment/loss of green space.)
Resides in Region 5
3.20**
Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.71**Resides in rural area 2.59**
Most likely to say over-
development is important
Most likely to say air quality is important
Most likely not to say air
quality is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 180
Not a Delaware native
2.59**
35-44 years old 2.30*Not a neighborhood association member 2.02*College graduate 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Is a Delaware native -2.10*
New Castle County resident
-2.14*
Other type of profession -2.15*
Most likely not to say
over-development is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 181
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said solid waste disposal.)
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
3.59***
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.47***Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.42*Income over $150,000 2.38*Other type of profession 2.32*Is a Delaware native 2.12*Profession: Consulting 2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
High school graduate or equivalent -2.39*
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said littering.)Profession: Sales 2.86**
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident
-2.00*
Owns less than 1 acre -2.07*
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said habitat loss/fragmentation.)
White
2.58*
Owns 21 to 40 acres 2.57*Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.57*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.39*
Most likely to say waste disposal is important
Most likely to say habitat
loss is important
Most likely not to say waste disposal is important
Most likely to say littering is
important
Most likely not to say littering is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 182
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 1
-2.36* Most likely not to say
habitat loss is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 183
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said population growth.)Owns 81 to 100 acres
3.79***Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.85**Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Public service
-2.03*
Not a landowner -2.42*
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said wetland drainage.)
Some college or trade school
3.81***
Student 2.90**Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.61**
Sussex County resident
2.45*
Resides in Region 5 2.28*White 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said cancer rates.)Lived in Delaware over 25 years 3.69***
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 5 years or less
-2.54*
Most likely to say population
growth is important
Most likely to say wetland drainage is important
Most likely to say cancer rates are
important
Most likely not to say
cancer rates are important
Most likely not to say
population growth is important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 184
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 185
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said endangered species protection.)
Native American
9.94***
Some college or trade school 2.64**Profession: Public service 2.57*
55-64 years old2.34*
Is a Delaware native 1.97*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said septic tanks.)Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.52*Income between $80,000 and $99,999 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q7. What do you think are the most important natural resource or environmental issues facing Delaware today? (Those who said pollution unspecified.)
Lived in Delaware 11-15 years
2.27*
Neighborhood association member 2.19*Owns less than 1 acre 2.19*Resides in Region 2 2.04*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member
-2.01*
Not a landowner -3.14**
Most likely to say endangered
species protection is important
Most likely to say septic tanks are important
Most likely to say pollution
(unspecified) is important
Most likely not to say pollution (unspecified) is
important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 186
OVERALL CONCERN ABOUT WATER QUALITY, WATER POLLUTION CAUSES, AND RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS WATER QUALITYThe demographic characteristics correlate to overall concern about water quality as follows:
Gender: Males were more likely than were females to say that one of the main reasons
that they are concerned about water quality is the effect it has on fish and wildlife
resources. Males were also more likely to say polluted and bad-tasting, bad-looking
water is a main reason that they are concerned about water quality. Females, on the other
hand, were more likely than were males to say that the specific problem that is of most
concern regarding water quality’s effect on health and safety is having children get sick
and having future generations get sick.
Age: Those who are 65 years old and older were more likely than were those in other
age groups not to say that they are concerned about water quality in Delaware.
Ethnicity: African-Americans were more likely than were those in other ethnic groups
to say that they are concerned about water quality in Delaware. African-Americans were
also more likely than were those in other ethnic groups to say that one of their main
reasons for being concerned about water quality is the drinking water, and they were
more likely to say the specific concern that they have regarding water quality’s effect on
health and safety is getting sick from the water.
White people were more likely than were those in other ethnic groups to say that one of
the main reasons for being concerned about water quality is its effect on fish and wildlife
resources. They were also more likely than were those in other ethnic groups to say that
cancer is what they are specifically concerned about regarding water quality’s effect on
health and safety.
Income Level: Those with household incomes of less than $20,000 were more likely
than were those in other income groups to say that their own health/safety is one of their
main reasons for being concerned about water quality. Those with household incomes
over $150,000 were more likely than were those in other income groups not to say the
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 187
specific concern that they have regarding water quality’s effect on health and safety is
getting sick from the water.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than
were those in other education groups to say that they are concerned about water quality in
Delaware. Also, those without a high school diploma were more likely than were those
in other education groups not to say that they are concerned about water quality in
Delaware.
College graduates (including those with post-graduate or professional degrees) were more
likely than were those without college degrees to say that one of their main reasons for
being concerned about water quality is the closing of swimming areas. Also, those with
graduate or professional degrees were more likely than were those in other education
groups to say that one of their main reasons for being concerned about water quality is its
effect on fish and wildlife resources, and they were more likely to say that drought/low
resources is a main reason for being concerned about water quality.
Profession: Those in the teaching/education and consulting professions were more likely
than were those in other professions to say that they are concerned about water quality in
Delaware. Furthermore, those in teaching/education, consulting, and public service were
more likely to express concern about water quality issues than were those in other
professions. For instance, those in teaching/education had a high propensity to say that
their own health and safety, the maintenance of the natural beauty, drinking water,
drought/low resources, and birth defects were some of their main reasons for being
concerned about water quality. Those in consulting had a high propensity to say that
public health and safety and the maintenance of the natural beauty were some of their
main reasons for being concerned about water quality. Finally, those in public service
had a high propensity to say that closed swimming areas were one of their main reasons
for being concerned about water quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 188
Residence Location: Again, where the respondent lived apparently played an important
role in the formation of opinions about water quality. For instance, New Castle County
residents were more likely than were those from Kent or Sussex Counties to say that they
are concerned about water quality, and they were also more likely to say that drought/low
resources is one of their main reasons for being concerned about water quality. However,
New Castle County residents were more likely than those in the other counties not to say
that public health and safety is one of their main reasons for being concerned about water
quality. Sussex County residents were more likely than were those from the other
counties to say that public health and safety is one of their main reasons for being
concerned about water quality.
Those in Region 1 were more likely than were those in other regions to say that drinking
water and drought/low resources are some of their main reasons for being concerned
about water quality. Those in Region 3 were more likely than others not to say that
drinking water is one of their main reasons for being concerned about water quality.
Those residing in a suburban area were more likely than were those in other types of
residential location not to say that fish and wildlife resources is one of their main reasons
for being concerned about water quality, but they were more likely than others to say that
drought/low resources is one of their main reasons. Those who reside in a small city or
town were more likely than were others to say that polluted, bad-tasting and bad-looking
water is one of their main reasons for being concerned about water quality.
Length of Time Living in Delaware and Nativity: Those who have lived in Delaware
for over 25 years were more likely than were others not to say that they are concerned
about water quality in Delaware, but they were more likely than were others to say that
drought/low resources and cancer are some of their main reasons for being concerned
about water quality. Delaware natives were more likely than were non-natives to say that
the maintenance of the natural beauty and cancer are some of their main reasons for being
concerned about water quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 189
The demographic characteristics correlate to opinions on the causes of water pollution as
follows:
Age: Those who are 65 years old or older were more likely than were others not to say
that industry/chemical companies is one of the largest sources of water pollution in
Delaware, and they were also more likely than were others not to say that their own
activities have a major or minor negative impact on water quality.
Ethnicity: Those who are white or Hispanic were more likely than were others to say
that farmers/agriculture is one of the largest sources of water pollution in Delaware.
Income Level: Those with a household income of over $150,000 were more likely than
were those from other income groups to say that farmers/agriculture is one of the largest
sources of water pollution in Delaware.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than
were those from other education groups to say that farmers/agriculture is one of the
largest sources of water pollution in Delaware; conversely, those without a high school
diploma were more likely than were others not to say that farmers is one of the largest
sources of water pollution. Additionally, those without a high school diploma were more
likely not to say that industry/chemical companies is one of the largest sources of water
pollution, and they were more likely not to say that their own activities have a major or
minor negative impact on water quality.
Profession: Those in teaching/education had a high propensity to say that
farmers/agriculture and industry/chemical companies are some of the largest sources of
water pollution in Delaware, and they were also more likely than were others to say their
own activities have a major or minor negative impact on water quality. Those in public
service were more likely than were others not to say that farmers/agriculture is one of the
largest sources of water pollution in Delaware.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 190
Residence Location: Regarding homeowners/individuals, New Castle County residents,
particularly those from Region 1, were more likely than were others not to say that
homeowners/individuals is one of the largest sources of water pollution.
Regarding farmers/agriculture, Sussex County/Region 4 and 5 residents were more likely
than were others to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest sources of water
pollution. Conversely, New Castle County residents, particularly those from Region 1,
were more likely not to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest sources of water
pollution.
Regarding industry/chemical companies, New Castle County/Region 1 and 2 residents
and those residing in a suburban area were more likely to name industry/chemical
companies as one of the largest sources of water pollution in Delaware. Conversely,
Sussex County residents, particularly those in Region 5, and those living in a rural area
were more likely not to name industry/chemical companies as one of the largest sources
of water pollution in Delaware.
Finally, those residing in a rural area were more likely than were those from other types
of areas to say that their own activities have a major or minor negative impact on water
quality.
Length of Time Living in Delaware and Nativity: Delaware natives were more likely
not to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest sources of water pollution, and they
were more likely to name industry/chemical companies as one of the largest sources of
water pollution.
Acreage Owned: Those who own less than 1 acre were more likely than were others to
say that homeowners/individuals and farmers/agriculture are some of the largest sources
of water pollution. However, they were more likely not to say that their own daily
activities have a major or minor negative impact on water quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 191
The demographic characteristics correlate to opinions on responsibility for addressing water
quality as follows:
Gender: Females were more likely than were males to say that business/industry and
“everyone” should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware.
Age: Those who are 35 years old to 54 years old were more likely than were those from
other age groups to say that business/industry should do more to help improve water
quality. Those who are 65 years old or older were more likely than were those from other
age groups not to say that “everyone” should do more to help improve water quality.
Ethnicity: African-Americans were more likely than were others to respond with
“themselves” regarding who should do more to help improve water quality, and they
were also more likely than were others to say that the government and “everyone” should
do more to help improve water quality. White people were more likely than were others
to say that business/industry should do more to help improve water quality.
Income Level: Those with a household income of more than $150,000 were more likely
than were other income groups to respond with “themselves” regarding who should do
more to help improve water quality, and they were also more likely than were others to
say the government should do more. Those with household incomes of less than $20,000
were more likely than were those in other income groups to say that “everyone” should
do more.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree had a high propensity to
respond with “themselves” regarding who should do more to help improve water quality.
Those who had graduated from college were more likely than were those without a
college degree to say the government should do more. Those without a high school
diploma were more likely not to say that either business/industry or “everyone” should do
more to help improve water quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 192
Profession: Those in public service were more likely than were those in other
professions to respond with “themselves” regarding who should do more to help improve
water quality, and they were also more likely than were others to say business/industry
should do more. Consultants were more likely than were others to say the government
should do more.
Residence Location: New Castle County residents were more likely than were others to
respond with “themselves” regarding who should do more to help improve water quality,
and they were also more likely than were others to say business/industry should do more.
Length of Time Living in Delaware and Nativity: Delaware natives were more likely
than were non-natives to say that business/industry should do more to help improve water
quality.
Acreage Owned: Those who own less than 1 acre were more likely than were others to
say that business/industry should do more to help improve water quality.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 193
Q9. Would you say you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned with water quality in Delaware? (Response analyzed: very or somewhat concerned)
35-44 years old
3.84***
25-34 years old 2.75**Profession: Teaching/education 2.61**
Graduate or professional degree
2.55*
African-American 2.51*Not a landowner 2.33*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.22*New Castle County resident 2.18*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.09*Profession: Consulting 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware over 25 years -2.93**No high school diploma -3.28**
Retired
-4.70***
65 years or older -6.60***
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said public health/safety.)
Profession: Consulting
2.85**
Profession: Public service 2.73**Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.23*Sussex County resident 2.11*
Most likely to say they are
concerned about water quality
Most likely not to say they are
concerned about water quality
Most likely to say public
health is reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 194
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old
-2.00*
New Castle County resident -2.20*Profession: Accounting/finance -3.28**
Most likely not to say public
health is reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 195
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said own health/safety.)
Asian-American
2.99**
Unemployed 2.16*Profession: Teaching/education 2.13*Income less than $20,000 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old
-2.08*
Profession: Accounting/finance -3.12**
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said recreation-closed swimming areas.)
Profession: Public service
3.57***
Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.84**College graduate 2.62**Asian-American 2.37*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.11*Graduate or professional degree 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Retired
-2.42*
High school graduate or equivalent -2.89**
Most likely to say own health is reason to be
concerned
Most likely not to say own
health is reason to be concerned
Most likely to say closed
swimming areas is reason to be
concerned
Most likely not to say closed
swimming areas is reason to be
concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 196
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said fish and wildlife resources.)
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
3.61***
Male 3.59***White 2.97**Profession: Construction 2.82**
Not a neighborhood association member
2.56*
35-44 years old 2.50*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.46*Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.39*Resides in small city or town 2.25*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
65 years or older -1.99*Income less than $20,000 -2.02*
African-American
-2.09*
Resides in suburban area -2.22*Retired -2.48*Female -3.51***
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said maintain natural beauty/for the environment.)
Most likely to say fish and
wildlife resources is reason to be concerned
Most likely not to say fish and
wildlife resources is reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 197
Graduate or professional degree
3.73***
Profession: Teaching/education 3.24**Hispanic 3.15**Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 3.08**Is a Delaware native 2.95**45-54 years old 2.12*Profession: Consulting 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
High school graduate or equivalent
-2.06*
Not a Delaware native -2.80**Retired -3.08**
Most likely to say natural
beauty/ environment is
reason to be concerned
Most likely not to say natural
beauty/ environment is
reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 198
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said spiritual/religious reasons.)
Owns 21 to 40 acres
3.01**
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.65**Owns over 100 acres 2.24*Profession: Industry 2.19*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
High school graduate or equivalent
-2.43*
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said drinking water.)
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years
3.36***
Profession: Teaching/education 2.56*Resides in Region 1 2.19*Other race identified 2.03*African-American 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 3
-2.69**
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said drought/low resources.)
Most likely to say spirituality is reason to be
concerned
Most likely not to say
spirituality is reason to be concerned
Most likely to say drinking
water is reason to be concerned
Most likely not to say drinking water is reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 199
Retired
3.61***
Graduate or professional degree 2.77**Resides in suburban area 2.75**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.58**New Castle County resident 2.31*Resides in Region 1 2.31*Profession: Teaching/education 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Sussex County resident
-2.14*
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 -2.63**
Most likely to say drought is reason to be concerned
Most likely not to say drought is
reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 200
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said pollution/bad-tasting and/or bad-looking water.)
Resides in small city or town
3.04**
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.95**Male 2.72**18-24 years old 2.57*Other type of profession 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
-2.41*
Female -2.72**
Q11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about water quality? (Asked of those who said they were very or somewhat concerned about water quality in Delaware.) (Those who said it's important for life.)
55-64 years old
3.75***
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 3.65***High school graduate or equivalent 2.79**
Resides in large city or urban area
2.79**
Not a landowner 2.65**Profession: Accounting/finance 2.17*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say pollution is
reason to be concerned
Most likely not to say pollution is reason to be
concerned
Most likely to say importance for life is reason to be concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 201
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said cancer.)
Owns less than 1 acre
2.48*
College graduate 2.31*
White
2.26*
Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.20*Is a Delaware native 2.01*55-64 years old 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Other race identified -1.97*Some college or trade school -2.23*
Not a Delaware native
-2.34*
Not a landowner -2.79**
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said getting sick.)
African-American
3.42***
18-24 years old 2.38*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.16*Unemployed 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income over $150,000
-1.97*
55-64 years old -2.29*Graduate or professional degree -2.86**Owns less than 1 acre -2.91**
Most likely to say cancer is
a concern
Most likely not to say cancer is a
concern
Most likely to say getting
sick is a concern
Most likely not to say
getting sick is a concern
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 202
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said children getting sick.)Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.26*Unemployed 2.15*Female 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Graduate or professional degree
-1.96
Other race identified -2.08*
Most likely to say children
getting sick is a concern
Most likely not to say children getting sick is a
concern
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 203
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said future generations getting sick.)Unemployed
2.66**Female 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Male
-2.08*
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said birth defects.)
Profession: Construction
2.73**
Student 2.63**Not a landowner 2.15*Profession: Teaching/education 2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said general concern for the environment.)College graduate 2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said pollution.)
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in large city or urban area
-1.96
Q14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about? (Those who said lack of safe fishing.)
Most likely to say future generations getting sick is a
concern
Most likely not to say future
generations getting sick is a concern
Most likely to say birth defects is a
concern
Most likely to say the environment is
a concern
Most likely not to say pollution is a
concern
Most likely to say lack of safe fishing is a
concern
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 204
Profession: Agriculture/farming 3.99***45-54 years old 2.53*Some college or trade school 2.25*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 205
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said homeowners/individuals.)Profession: Medical
3.55***Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.60**Owns less than 1 acre 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 1
-2.08*
Not a landowner -2.10*New Castle County resident -2.29*
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said farmers/agriculture.)
Sussex County resident
6.56***
Graduate or professional degree 6.21***
Resides in rural area
4.56***
Resides in Region 5 4.43***Not a Delaware native 3.98***Owns less than 1 acre 3.86***Income over $150,000 3.10**Resides in Region 4 3.09**White 2.64**Profession: Medical 2.63**Profession: Teaching/education 2.59**Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.16*
Most likely to say
homeowners/ individuals
Most likely not to say
homeowners/ individuals
Most likely to say farmers/ agriculture
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 206
Hispanic 1.98*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Public service
-2.14*
African-American -2.62**High school graduate or equivalent -2.71**Resides in suburban area -2.72**No high school diploma -2.82**Income less than $20,000 -2.86**
Is a Delaware native
-3.90***
Not a landowner -4.23***Resides in Region 1 -4.68***New Castle County resident -6.06***
Most likely not to say farmers/
agriculture
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 207
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said industry/chemical companies.)
Resides in suburban area
5.48***
New Castle County resident 5.05***Resides in Region 2 3.16**
Profession: Teaching/education
3.14**
College graduate 2.53*Resides in Region 1 2.48*45-54 years old 2.24*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.19*Profession: Sales 2.18*Is a Delaware native 2.14*Profession: Public service 2.04*Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
-2.12*
Income less than $20,000 -2.56*Retired -2.71**No high school diploma -3.07**Asian-American -3.15**
65 years or older
-3.42***
Resides in Region 5 -3.90***Resides in rural area -4.47***
Most likely to say industry/
chemical companies
Most likely not to say industry/
chemical companies
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 208
Sussex County resident -4.62***
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 209
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said developers.)
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years
3.72***
Owns 61 to 80 acres 3.68***
Not a neighborhood association member
3.34***
Resides in Region 5 2.81**Not a Delaware native 2.73**Not a landowner 2.62**Profession: Public service 2.56*Some college or trade school 2.38*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.18*White 2.11*Resides in small city or town 2.06*College graduate 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Graduate or professional degree -2.23*Is a Delaware native -2.55*
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
-2.98**
Neighborhood association member -3.02**
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said development in general.)
Owns 41 to 60 acres
2.57*
Owns 21 to 40 acres 2.33*Resides in rural area 2.03*
Most likely to say developers
Most likely not to say
developers
Most likely to say development
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 210
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 1
-2.19*
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said sewage treatment plants.)
Profession: Military
2.81**
Sussex County resident 2.60**
Resides in Region 52.41*
Some college or trade school 2.30*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely not to say development
Most likely to say sewage treatment
plants
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 211
Q17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of water in Delaware? (Those who said golf courses.)
Owns over 100 acres
3.03**
No high school diploma 2.45*Resides in Region 5 2.02*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns less than 1 acre
-2.25*
Q19. How great of a negative impact do you feel your own daily activities have on water quality in Delaware? Would you say they are a major impact, minor impact, or not an impact? (Response analyzed: major or minor impact)
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years
3.07**
Resides in rural area 2.10*Profession: Teaching/education 2.10*
35-44 years old1.99*
Student 1.98*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Retired -1.96*
No high school diploma
-1.97*
Owns less than 1 acre -2.32*Resides in small city or town -2.55*65 years or older -2.88**
Most likely to say their
activities have a negative impact
Most likely not to say golf
courses
Most likely to say golf courses
Most likely not to say their
activities have a negative impact
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 212
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware? (Those who said themselves.)
Unemployed
4.84***
Graduate or professional degree 3.44***
Profession: Public service
3.41***
Income over $150,000 2.69**New Castle County resident 2.54*Neighborhood association member 2.48*Not a landowner 2.33*African-American 2.23*Resides in Region 1 2.16*Asian-American 2.07*Resides in small city or town 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Sussex County resident -2.02*High school graduate or equivalent -2.66**
Resides in rural area
-2.69**
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware? (Those who said residents.)
College graduate
2.60**
Profession: Medical 2.38*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.07*Unemployed 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say
themselves
Most likely not to say
themselves
Most likely to say residents
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 213
High school graduate or equivalent
-2.30* Most likely not to say residents
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 214
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware? (Those who said business/industry.)
Owns less than 1 acre
3.55***
Unemployed 3.51***
White
3.30***
Resides in suburban area 2.97**Profession: Public service 2.96**New Castle County resident 2.22*Is a Delaware native 2.22*Female 2.16*45-54 years old 2.14*Asian-American 2.04*College graduate 2.01*35-44 years old 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income less than $20,000
-1.98*
Male -2.08*Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -2.16*18-24 years old -2.18*
Other race identified
-2.26*
Other type of profession -2.27*Resides in Region 5 -2.28*No high school diploma -2.41*
Most likely to say business/
industry
Most likely not to say business/ industry
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 215
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware? (Those who said the government.)
College graduate
4.16***
Income over $150,000 3.27**
Profession: Consulting
3.23**
Unemployed 2.21*Graduate or professional degree 2.18*African-American 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Homemaker -2.25*Income less than $20,000 -2.30*White -2.40*High school graduate or equivalent -2.60**
Resides in Region 4
-2.62**
Some college or trade school -2.65**Other type of profession -2.67**
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware? (Those who said everyone.)
Female
3.10**
African-American 2.86**
Income less than $20,000
2.35*
55-64 years old 2.29*Homemaker 2.27*Other type of profession 2.10*
Most likely to say the
government
Most likely not to say the government
Most likely to say everyone
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 216
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware over 25 years -1.98*No high school diploma -2.26*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.29*Profession: Consulting -2.53*
College graduate
-2.78**
Male -3.04**65 years or older -3.55***
Most likely not to say everyone
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 217
Q114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality in Delaware? (Those who said no one.)
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
2.92**
65 years or older 2.63**
Retired
2.21*
Graduate or professional degree 1.97*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say no one
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 218
WATER QUALITY AND SEPTIC/SEWER SYSTEMSThe demographic characteristics correlate to responses concerning water quality and septic/sewer
systems as follows:
Residence Location: This characteristic had a major influence on the responses,
particularly regarding whether the respondent’s residence had a septic system or was on a
sewer system. Those most likely to have a septic system are in a rural area, a Sussex or
Kent County resident, and a resident of Regions 2-5. Those most likely to be on a sewer
system reside in New Castle County in Region 1 and are not in a rural area.
Those who agree that standard septic systems can impact water quality are more likely to
reside in a suburban area than in any other type of area. When respondents were asked
whether they were concerned or not concerned about the effects of septic systems on
water quality, those residing in Kent County were more likely than others not to say that
they are concerned.
Acreage Owned: Those owning over 100 acres were more likely than were others not to
agree that standard septic systems can impact water quality. Conversely, those who did
not own land were more likely than landowners to agree.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 219
Q27. Do you have a septic system, a sewer system, or do you have some other form of waste disposal? (Those who have a septic system.)
Resides in rural area
18.72***
Sussex County resident 9.45***Owns 1 to 20 acres 9.23***
Resides in Region 4
8.07***
Resides in Region 3 6.52***Not a neighborhood association member 5.72***Kent County resident 5.61***Resides in Region 5 4.96***Profession: Agriculture/farming 4.64***Owns over 100 acres 4.63***Resides in Region 2 4.11***Owns 41 to 60 acres 3.50***Owns 21 to 40 acres 3.04**Student 2.33*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
College graduate -2.85**Not a landowner -3.22**Resides in large city or urban area -3.24**Owns less than 1 acre -5.26***Neighborhood association member -5.68***
Most likely to say they have
a septic system
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 220
Resides in small city or town
-5.75***
Resides in suburban area -8.51***New Castle County resident -11.93***Resides in Region 1 -14.81***
Most likely not to say
they have a septic system
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 221
Q27. Do you have a septic system, a sewer system, or do you have some other form of waste disposal? (Those who have a sewer system.)
Resides in Region 1
13.79***
New Castle County resident 10.59***Resides in suburban area 8.56***
Owns less than 1 acre
6.55***
Neighborhood association member 6.51***Resides in small city or town 4.31***College graduate 2.84**Resides in large city or urban area 2.67**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.24*65 years or older 2.08*Profession: Accounting/finance 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Hispanic -2.23*Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -2.41*Owns 21 to 40 acres -2.51*
Most likely to say they have
a sewer system
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 222
Student -2.77**Some college or trade school -2.90**18-24 years old -2.93**Owns 41 to 60 acres -2.97**Owns over 100 acres -3.92***Resides in Region 2 -4.01***Profession: Agriculture/farming -4.06***Resides in Region 5 -4.44***Kent County resident -5.06***Resides in Region 3 -6.01***Not a neighborhood association member -6.72***
Resides in Region 4
-7.60***
Owns 1 to 20 acres -7.83***Sussex County resident -8.49***Resides in rural area -17.38***
Most likely not to say
they have a sewer system
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 223
Q27. Do you have a septic system, a sewer system, or do you have some other form of waste disposal? (Those who said “other” regarding their waste disposal system.)
Profession: Teaching/education
5.71***
Not a landowner 2.72**Resides in small city or town 2.37*Not a neighborhood association member 1.96
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old
-2.05*
Q37. What are the main reasons you pump your septic tank? (Asked of those who indicated that they had pumped their septic system.) (Those who pumped their septic system because it’s the law.)
Does not know income level
3.45***
Resides in Region 1 3.36***Profession: Consulting 2.47*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Some college or trade school
-2.09*
Not a neighborhood association member -2.62**
Q37. What are the main reasons you pump your septic tank? (Asked of those who indicated that they had pumped their septic system.) (Those who pumped their septic system for general maintenance/preventative measures.)Lived in Delaware 11-15 years 2.19*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner
-2.70**
Most likely to say other
Most likely not to say
other
Most likely to say because it’s
the law
Most likely not to say because
it’s the law
Most likely to say general maintenance
Most likely not to say general
maintenance
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 224
Q37. What are the main reasons you pump your septic tank? (Asked of those who indicated that they had pumped their septic system.) (Those who pumped their septic system because it backed up.)
Not a landowner
2.36*
Owns over 100 acres 2.20*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.20*Female 2.16*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Male
-2.09*
Q37. What are the main reasons you pump your septic tank? (Asked of those who indicated that they had pumped their septic system.) (Those who pumped their septic system because of environmental concern.)
Profession: Sales
2.88**
65 years or older 2.57*Retired 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
White
-2.52*
Q39. Do you agree or disagree that standard septic systems can impact water quality in Delaware? (Asked of those who have a septic system.) (Response analyzed: agree)Not a landowner 2.16*Resides in suburban area 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres
-3.27**
Most likely to agree
Most likely not to agree
Most likely to say because it
backed up
Most likely not to say because it
backed up
Most likely to say because of
environmental concern
Most likely not to say because of
environmental concern
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 225
Q40. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned about the effects of septic systems on water quality in Delaware? (Asked of those who have a septic system.) (Response analyzed: very or somewhat concerned)Resides in Region 1
2.43*Male 2.26*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Medical
-2.08*
Resides in Region 3 -2.32*Female -2.33*Kent County resident -2.43*
Q43. How likely would you be to spend $6,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system.) (Response analyzed: likely)Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.16*Profession: Teaching/education 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q44. How likely would you be to spend $8,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system.) (Response analyzed: likely)Profession: Consulting 2.30*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say they are concerned
Most likely not to say they are
concerned
Most likely to say they are
likely to spend $6,000
Most likely to say they are likely to
spend $8,000
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 226
Q45. How likely would you be to spend $10,000 on upgrading your septic system if you knew that it could help improve water quality in Delaware? (Each respondent was asked one of four questions regarding the amount he or she would be likely to spend to upgrade the septic system.) (Response analyzed: likely)
No high school diploma
2.11*
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.08*18-24 years old 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q46. How likely would you be to upgrade your septic system if you knew that developers were required to install state-of-the-art septic systems in new developments? (Asked of those who have a septic system.) (Response analyzed: likely)Profession: Construction 2.36*Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.31*Profession: Teaching/education 2.15*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q47. Would you prefer to be on a sewer system? (Asked of those who have a septic system.) (Response analyzed: yes)Owns less than 1 acre 2.51*Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.03*Profession: Industry 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years
-2.22*
Profession: Agriculture/farming -2.22*Owns over 100 acres -2.42*
Most likely to say they would be likely
to upgrade the system
Most likely to say they would prefer to be on a sewer system
Most likely to say they are likely to spend $10,000
Most likely not to say they would prefer to be on a
sewer system
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 227
WATER QUALITY AND LAWN CAREThe demographic characteristics correlate to water quality and lawn care as follows:
Gender: Females were more likely than were males to say that they are concerned about
the impacts of home lawn care on water quality. Males, on the other hand, were more
likely than were females to say that they were aware before the survey that home lawn
care practices can impact water quality.
Age: Those 65 years old and older were more likely than were others not to say that they
are concerned about the impacts of home lawn care practices on water quality. Those
respondents aged 35 to 64 years old were more likely than were others not to say that
having a green, well-kept lawn is important to them.
Ethnicity: White respondents were more likely than others to say that they are
concerned about the impacts of home lawn care practices on water quality and to say that
they were aware before the survey that home lawn care practices can impact water
quality, and they were more likely than others not to say that having a green, well-kept
lawn is important to them. African-Americans were more likely than were others to say
that having a green, well-kept lawn is important to them.
Income Level: Those with a household income of $100,000 and over were more likely
than were others to say that they had hired a lawn care company.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than
were others to say that home lawn care practices are a major or minor environmental
concern. Those without a high school diploma were more likely than were others not to
say that they are concerned about the impacts of home lawn care practices on water
quality. Also, those who had graduated from college, with or without post-graduate
work, were more likely than those without a college degree to say that they were aware
before the survey that home lawn care practices can impact water quality. Finally, those
with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than were others not to say that
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 228
having a green, well-kept lawn is important to them, yet they were more likely than were
others to say that they had hired a lawn care company.
Residence Location: Sussex County residents were more likely than were others to say
that they maintain their own lawn; New Castle County residents, particularly Region 1
residents, were more likely than were others to say that they had hired a lawn care
company. Also, suburban residents were more likely than were others to say that they
had hired a lawn care company.
Acreage Owned: Those who own less than 1 acre were more likely than were others to
say that they are concerned about the impacts of home lawn care practices on water
quality, and they were also more likely to say that they were aware before the survey that
home lawn care practices can impact water quality.
The demographic characteristics correlate to water quality and nutrient runoff as follows:
Gender: Males were more likely than were females to say that nutrient runoff is a major
or minor cause of water pollution in Delaware, to say that farmers/agriculture is one of
the largest contributors to water pollution, and to say that they apply fertilizer to their
lawn.
Age: Those 65 years old and older were more likely than were others not to say that
nutrient runoff is a major or minor cause of water pollution in Delaware and not to say
that farmers/agriculture is one of the largest sources of nutrient runoff, but they were
more likely than were others to say that industry/chemical companies is one of the largest
sources of nutrient runoff in Delaware.
Ethnicity: White respondents were more likely than were others to say that
farmers/agriculture is one of the largest sources of nutrient runoff. African-Americans
were more likely than were others to say that industry/chemical companies is one of the
largest sources of nutrient runoff.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 229
Income Level: Those with a household income of over $150,000 were more likely than
were others to say that nutrient runoff is a major or minor cause of water pollution.
Those with a household income of $60,000 or over were more likely than were others to
name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest contributors to nutrient runoff.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than
were those from other education groups to say that nutrient runoff is a major or minor
cause of water pollution and to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest
contributors to nutrient runoff.
Profession: Those employed in consulting, industry, or sales were more likely than were
others to say that homeowners/individuals is one of the largest contributors to nutrient
runoff pollution in Delaware. Also, those in the consulting or teaching/education
professions were more likely than were others to name farmers/agriculture as one of the
largest contributors to nutrient runoff.
Residence Location: Those who reside in a rural area and those who reside in Region 2
were more likely than were others to say that nutrient runoff is a major or minor cause of
water pollution. Those who reside in Sussex County, particularly those in Region 5, and
those who reside in a rural area were more likely than were others to name
farmers/agriculture as one of the largest contributors to nutrient runoff. Those who reside
in Region 4 were more likely than were others to say that industry/chemical companies is
one of the largest contributors to nutrient runoff pollution.
Length of Time Living in Delaware and Nativity: Delaware natives were more likely
than were non-natives to say that nutrient runoff is a major or minor cause of water
pollution, and they were more likely to say that industry/chemical companies is one of
the largest contributors to nutrient runoff pollution. Non-natives were more likely than
were natives to say that homeowners/individuals is one of the largest contributors to
nutrient runoff pollution.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 230
Acreage Owned: Those who own less than 1 acre were more likely than were others to
say that homeowners/individuals is one of the largest contributors to nutrient runoff
pollution, and they were more likely to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest
contributors to nutrient runoff, as well.
The demographic characteristics correlate to lawn care advice as follows:
Gender: Males were more likely than were females to say that they changed their lawn
care practices based on advice that they received.
Ethnicity: African-Americans were more likely than were others to have gotten advice
about lawn care from a retail store, and they were more likely than were others to say that
they had changed their lawn care practices based on advice that they received.
Income Level: Those with a household income of $80,000 or over were more likely than
were those from other income groups to have gotten advice on lawn care. Those with a
household income of over $150,000 were more likely than were other income groups to
have gotten advice on lawn care from a lawn care company.
Education Level: Those with a graduate or professional degree were more likely than
were those from other education groups to have gotten advice on lawn care.
Profession: Those in the teaching/education profession were more likely than were those
from other professions to have gotten advice on lawn care.
Residence Location: Those residing in a suburban area and New Castle County
residents were more likely than were others to have gotten advice on lawn care.
Length of Time Living in Delaware and Nativity: Non-natives were more likely than
were Delaware natives to have gotten advice on lawn care, and they were more likely to
have changed their lawn care practices based on the advice.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 231
Acreage Owned: Those who own less than 1 acre were more likely than were others to
have gotten advice on lawn care.
For each of the lawn care practices listed in the survey, the demographic characteristics of those
most likely to practice the particular lawn care practice are as follows:
Leave grass clippings on lawn: Male; white; rural residents and Sussex County
residents, particularly Region 4 residents.
Mow lawn at higher height: Male; white; has a graduate or professional degree; is in
the consulting profession; owns less than 1 acre.
Reduce the amount of fertilizer used: Male; white; resides in Sussex County,
particularly Region 5.
Reduce the amount of turf by planting more vegetation: Is in the agriculture/farming
or teaching/education professions.
Plant native species that require less water and fertilizer: Has a graduate or
professional degree; is in the teaching/education or consulting professions; is not a
Delaware native.
Use organic lawn care products: Has a graduate or professional degree; is in the
teaching/education profession; is not a Delaware native; owns less than 1 acre.
Test soil for nitrates/phosphorous on a regular basis: Has household income of over
$150,000 per year; has a graduate or professional degree; is in the teaching/education
profession; resides in Sussex County.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 232
Q24. Are you a homeowner? (Response analyzed: yes)Neighborhood association member 8.09***Lived in Delaware over 25 years 7.59***
Retired
4.94***
White 4.59***55-64 years old 4.40***Graduate or professional degree 4.18***Income between $100,000 and $149,999 4.10***65 years or older 3.89***Resides in rural area 3.88***Income over $150,000 3.45***45-54 years old 3.09**Homemaker 2.49*Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.25*Profession: Accounting/finance 2.10*Resides in Region 2 2.07*Sussex County resident 2.06*Resides in Region 5 1.98*
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 233
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in small city or town -2.33*High school graduate or equivalent -2.34*Asian-American -2.52*Resides in Region 1 -2.53*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years -2.68**Profession: Public service -3.02**Other type of profession -3.10**Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -3.31***Lived in Delaware 6-10 years -3.69***25-34 years old -3.92***Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -4.21***Unemployed -4.33***African-American -5.77***Income less than $20,000 -6.12***
Student
-7.06***
Not a neighborhood association member -7.65***18-24 years old -13.32***
Most likely not to say they are a
homeowner
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 234
Q25. Do you have your own lawn at your place of residence? (Response analyzed: yes)
Owns less than 1 acre
8.44***
White 5.78***Neighborhood association member 5.70***
Owns 1 to 20 acres
4.45***
Graduate or professional degree 3.70***Resides in rural area 3.64***Lived in Delaware over 25 years 3.06**Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.80**35-44 years old 2.67**Male 2.61**Resides in Region 2 2.52*Income over $150,000 2.12*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years -2.16*Lived in Delaware 11-15 years -2.60**Female -2.68**Resides in small city or town -2.68**Unemployed -2.76**Hispanic -3.18**18-24 years old -3.22**Income less than $20,000 -3.70***
Most likely to say they have
a lawn
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 235
Don't know age
-4.63***
Not a neighborhood association member -4.64***African-American -5.54***Not a landowner -15.11***
Most likely not to say
they have a lawn
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 236
Q59. Would you say that home lawn care practices are a major environmental concern, a minor environmental concern, or not an environmental concern in Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Response analyzed: major or minor impact)
35-44 years old
4.24***
Graduate or professional degree 2.60**Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.56*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.39*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Retired
-2.47*
No high school diploma -2.59**
Q61. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned about the impacts of home lawn care on water quality in Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Response analyzed: very or somewhat concerned)
35-44 years old
3.08**
Owns less than 1 acre 2.72**
Female
2.66**
Neighborhood association member 2.32*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.24*High school graduate or equivalent 2.11*White 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
65 years or older -2.01*
Most likely to say lawn care practices are a
concern
Most likely to say they are concerned
Most likely not to say lawn care practices are a
concern
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 237
Profession: Sales -2.11*
Male
-2.60**
No high school diploma -3.00**Retired -3.10**Other race identified -3.23**
Most likely not to say they are
concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 238
Q60. Before this survey, were you aware that home lawn care practices can impact water quality in Delaware? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Response analyzed: aware)
Owns less than 1 acre
5.70***
White 4.47***
Graduate or professional degree
4.44***
45-54 years old 3.28**Sussex County resident 2.92**Male 2.85**Not a Delaware native 2.36*Neighborhood association member 2.09*College graduate 2.08*Resides in rural area 2.01*Profession: Medical 1.96
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
High school graduate or equivalent -2.79**Female -2.84**Homemaker -2.94**
No high school diploma
-3.43***
18-24 years old -3.56***Not a landowner -5.04***African-American -5.43***
Most likely to say they were
aware
Most likely not to say they were
aware
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 239
Q48. Would you say it is important or unimportant to you to have a green, well-kept lawn? (Asked of those who said they have a lawn and maintain their lawn.) (Response analyzed: important)
18-24 years old
4.68***
65 years or older 3.46***
Retired
2.96**
African-American 2.65**Lived in Delaware 5 years or less 2.51*No high school diploma 2.45*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Construction -1.97*Not a neighborhood association member -2.00*Income between $80,000 and $99,999 -2.07*White -2.22*55-64 years old -2.25*Lived in Delaware over 25 years -2.29*Profession: Public service -2.44*Profession: Consulting -2.61**45-54 years old -2.73**
Graduate or professional degree
-2.83**
Disabled -2.86**35-44 years old -3.70***
Most likely to say it is
important
Most likely not to say it is
important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 240
Q26. Do you maintain the lawn at your place of residence? (Asked of those who said they had a lawn at their place of residence.) (Response analyzed: yes)
Not a Delaware native
3.02**
Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.53*Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.48*
Sussex County resident2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
-2.10*
65 years or older -2.16*Is a Delaware native -2.36*Profession: Consulting -2.36*
African-American
-2.53*
New Castle County resident -2.64**Not a landowner -3.20**Resides in Region 1 -3.89***
Most likely to say they
maintain the lawn
Most likely not to say
they maintain the lawn
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 241
Q58. Have you ever hired a professional lawn care company? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Response analyzed: yes)
Neighborhood association member
6.86***
Income over $150,000 6.38***
Graduate or professional degree
5.53***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 4.33***Owns less than 1 acre 3.93***Not a Delaware native 3.32***Resides in suburban area 3.26**Resides in Region 1 3.06**New Castle County resident 2.84**Profession: Consulting 2.66**45-54 years old 2.65**College graduate 2.04*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -1.97*Kent County resident -2.12*Resides in Region 3 -2.14*18-24 years old -2.43*
Most likely to say they hired
a company
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 242
Profession: Construction -2.46*Resides in Region 4 -2.47*No high school diploma -2.86**Income between $40,000 and $59,999 -3.20**25-34 years old -3.21**Resides in rural area -3.36***
Is a Delaware native
-3.90***
High school graduate or equivalent -4.11***Not a landowner -4.53***Not a neighborhood association member -7.09***
Most likely not to say
they hired a company
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 243
Q20. Would you say that nutrient runoff (nitrogen and phosphorous) is a major cause, a minor cause, or not a cause of water pollution in Delaware? (Response analyzed: major or minor cause)
Male
5.53***
45-54 years old 3.73***
Resides in rural area
3.09**
Income over $150,000 2.85**Graduate or professional degree 2.82**Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.67**Is a Delaware native 2.36*Resides in Region 2 2.17*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
No high school diploma -2.26*Income less than $20,000 -2.38*Not a landowner -2.47*Other race identified -2.86**Homemaker -3.28**Resides in Region 1 -3.59***
65 years or older
-4.14***
Retired -4.58***Female -5.63***
Most likely to say it is a
cause
Most likely not to say it is
a cause
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 244
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said homeowners/individuals.)
Asian-American
5.94***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 5.68***Owns less than 1 acre 3.18**
Some college or trade school
2.72**
Profession: Consulting 2.55*Profession: Industry 2.48*Profession: Sales 2.47*Not a Delaware native 2.47*Neighborhood association member 2.27*Disabled 2.21*45-54 years old 2.19*Owns 61 to 80 acres 2.12*Lived in Delaware 11-15 years 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -1.99*Is a Delaware native -2.23*
Not a landowner
-2.57*
High school graduate or equivalent -3.73***
Most likely to say
homeowners/ individuals
Most likely not to say
homeowners/ individuals
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 245
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said farmers/agriculture.)
Graduate or professional degree
7.22***
45-54 years old 5.87***
Male
4.76***
White 4.54***Not a Delaware native 4.34***Owns less than 1 acre 4.31***Sussex County resident 3.71***Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.40***Income over $150,000 3.27**Profession: Consulting 3.07**Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.88**Resides in Region 5 2.62**Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.46*Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.37*Resides in rural area 2.18*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.08*Profession: Teaching/education 2.02*
Most likely to say farmers/ agriculture
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 246
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Other race identified -1.97*65 years or older -1.97*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.62**No high school diploma -2.74**Profession: Agriculture/farming -2.94**Homemaker -3.40***Is a Delaware native -3.65***Income less than $20,000 -3.80***Resides in Region 1 -4.11***African-American -4.23***
New Castle County resident
-4.27***
Female -4.72***Not a landowner -6.26***High school graduate or equivalent -6.47***
Most likely not to say farmers/
agriculture
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 247
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said industry/chemical companies.)
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
3.29**
Is a Delaware native 3.16**Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.97**
Resides in Region 4
2.63**
High school graduate or equivalent 2.45*African-American 2.44*65 years or older 2.28*Some college or trade school 2.10*Retired 2.04*Homemaker 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 -1.97*Lived in Delaware 11-15 years -2.04*
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years
-2.50*
Income over $150,000 -2.54*Not a Delaware native -2.95**Income between $100,000 and $149,999 -3.59***Other type of profession -3.87***
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said developers.)
Asian-American
3.42***
Most likely to say industry/
chemical companies
Most likely to say
developers
Most likely not to say industry/ chemical
companies
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 248
Resides in small city or town 3.25**
Income between $80,000 and $99,999
2.25*
Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.23*Graduate or professional degree 2.18*Male 2.10*Owns 21 to 40 acres 2.01*
Owns less than 1 acre2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-2.07* Most likely not to say developers
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 249
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said development in general.)Asian-American
3.75***Owns 21 to 40 acres 2.21*Male 2.14*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-2.12*
Resides in suburban area -2.47*
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said sewage treatment plants.)
Owns 81 to 100 acres
7.3***
Asian-American 6.36***Owns 41 to 60 acres 4.06***Profession: Agriculture/farming 3.28**Profession: Sales 2.86**Sussex County resident 2.48*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident
-2.65**
Q22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoff pollution in Delaware? (Those who said golf courses.)
Profession: Agriculture/farming
5.93***
Asian-American 5.51***
Most likely to say
development in general
Most likely to say sewage
treatment plants
Most likely to say golf courses
Most likely not to say
development in general
Most likely not to say sewage
treatment plants
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 250
Owns 41 to 60 acres
3.54***
25-34 years old 2.83**Owns over 100 acres 2.46*Resides in Region 5 2.14*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 251
Q49. Do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they have a lawn and maintain their lawn.) (Response analyzed: yes)
Neighborhood association member
5.94***
Resides in suburban area 4.06***Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.71***
Not a Delaware native
3.33***
Owns less than 1 acre 3.04**Profession: Accounting/finance 2.73**Male 2.38*55-64 years old 2.23*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres -2.09*35-44 years old -2.17*Female -2.48*Income less than $20,000 -2.50*Resides in rural area -2.56*Profession: Public service -2.60**
High school graduate or equivalent
-2.67**
Not a landowner -3.22**Is a Delaware native -3.34***Not a neighborhood association member -5.95***
Q52. In what seasons do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they apply fertilizer to their lawn.) (Those who said spring.)
Neighborhood association member
3.13**
College graduate 3.08**
Most likely to say they
apply fertilizer
Most likely not to say they apply fertilizer
Most likely to say spring
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 252
Owns less than 1 acre
2.59**
New Castle County resident 2.43*Income over $150,000 2.20*Other type of profession 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 4 -2.03*65 years or older -2.09*Not a landowner -2.11*Owns 81 to 100 acres -2.17*Not a neighborhood association member -2.27*
No high school diploma
-2.59**
Profession: Construction -2.65**Sussex County resident -2.68**Resides in rural area -2.72**
Most likely not to say
spring
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 253
Q52. In what seasons do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they apply fertilizer to their lawn.) (Those who said summer.)
Homemaker
3.06**
Other type of profession 2.79**
College graduate
2.59**
Owns less than 1 acre 2.16*Profession: Medical 2.14*New Castle County resident 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Some college or trade school -2.06*Not a neighborhood association member -2.29*
Resides in rural area
-2.38*
Retired -2.66**Owns 1 to 20 acres -3.22**
Q52. In what seasons do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they apply fertilizer to their lawn.) (Those who said fall.)
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
2.82**
Other type of profession 2.81**
White
2.77**
College graduate 2.45*45-54 years old 2.41*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.15*55-64 years old 2.15*Profession: Consulting 2.09*
Most likely to say summer
Most likely not to say summer
Most likely to say fall
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 254
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 -2.24*
No high school diploma
-2.63**
18-24 years old -2.73**African-American -3.46***
Most likely not to say fall
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 255
Q52. In what seasons do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? (Asked of those who said they apply fertilizer to their lawn.) (Those who said winter.)
Owns less than 1 acre
3.78***
Other type of profession 2.81**Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.64**Profession: Medical 2.53*Profession: Teaching/education 2.33*Neighborhood association member 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member
-1.96
Owns 1 to 20 acres -2.42*
Q53. Have you ever gotten advice or information on how to take care of your lawn? (Asked of those who said they have a lawn and maintain their lawn.) (Response analyzed: yes)
Graduate or professional degree
5.34***
Neighborhood association member 4.56***
Income over $150,000
4.01***
Not a Delaware native 3.46***Resides in suburban area 3.36***Owns less than 1 acre 3.17**Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.48*Profession: Teaching/education 2.22*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.17*45-54 years old 2.00*New Castle County resident 1.98*
Most likely to say they have gotten advice
Most likely to say winter
Most likely not to say
winter
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 256
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in large city or urban area -2.12*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years -2.57*High school graduate or equivalent -2.64**Resides in rural area -2.83**18-24 years old -3.12**
Is a Delaware native
-3.28**
Income less than $20,000 -3.81***Not a neighborhood association member -3.82***No high school diploma -4.56***
Most likely not to say they have
gotten advice
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 257
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Neighbor.)Asian-American
3.66***STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Friend.)
Other race identified
2.75**
Resides in small city or town 2.40*Asian-American 2.33*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
White
-2.06*
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Family member.)
Income between $20,000 and $39,999
3.09**
35-44 years old 2.56*Owns over 100 acres 2.22*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns less than 1 acre
-2.87**
Most likely to say neighbor
Most likely to say friend
Most likely to say family member
Most likely not to say
friend
Most likely not to say
family member
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 258
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Retail store such as Lowe's or Home Depot.)Resides in large city or urban area
4.90***
Disabled2.24*
African-American 2.02*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident
-2.01*
Resides in small city or town -2.38*White -2.48*
High school graduate or equivalent
-2.58**
Lived in Delaware over 25 years -3.36***
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Lawn care company.)Income over $150,000 3.25**
Income between $80,000 and $99,999
2.73**
Profession: Accounting/finance 2.47*45-54 years old 2.40*Neighborhood association member 2.35*Disabled 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.00*Resides in large city or urban area -2.15*
Most likely to say retail
store
Most likely to say lawn care
company
Most likely not to say retail store
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 259
Retired
-2.47*
Not a neighborhood association member -2.71**65 years or older -3.23**
Most likely not to say lawn care company
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 260
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Lawn care magazine/publication.)
Unemployed
4.71***
Owns 61 to 80 acres 4.12***Profession: Public service 3.21**Some college or trade school 2.92**Owns 81 to 100 acres 2.74**Sussex County resident 2.64**No high school diploma 2.18*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident
-2.59**
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Other magazine.)
Profession: Military
3.8***
Profession: Sales 3.00**Resides in Region 3 2.35*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 1
-2.70**
Most likely to say lawn care
magazine
Most likely to say other magazine
Most likely not to say lawn care magazine
Most likely not to say
other magazine
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 261
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Newspaper.)
Retired
3.47***
Owns less than 1 acre 3.32***Asian-American 3.32***Owns 21 to 40 acres 3.03**Hispanic 3.00**65 years or older 2.65**Male 2.36*Income over $150,000 2.05*Not a Delaware native 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-2.31*
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Television.)
Owns 21 to 40 acres
4.15***
Student 3.15**Homemaker 3.08**Other race identified 2.75**55-64 years old 2.37*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in suburban area
-2.04*
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Radio.)Hispanic 5.51***
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say newspaper
Most likely to say television
Most likely to say radio
Most likely not to say
newspaper
Most likely not to say television
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 262
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (DNREC.)
Owns 21 to 40 acres
7.38***
Hispanic 4.43***Resides in large city or urban area 2.77**Resides in Region 3 2.48*Kent County resident 2.45*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident
-2.24*
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Service.)
Profession: Teaching/education
2.74**
Not a landowner 2.29*Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old
-2.05*
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Internet.)Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 2.90**Asian-American 2.16*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member
-2.22*
Most likely to say DNREC
Most likely to say UDCES
Most likely to say the Internet
Most likely not to say DNREC
Most likely not to say UDCES
Most likely not to say the
Internet
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 263
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Books/brochures/mail/reading materials.)
65 years or older
4.99***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.21**Income less than $20,000 2.59**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.27*Retired 2.11*Male 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-2.01*
Q55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (University.)
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
5.80***
Profession: Sales 3.29**Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.17**Not a neighborhood association member 2.25*18-24 years old 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Neighborhood association member
-2.12*
Resides in suburban area -2.18*
Q57. Did the information or advice cause you to change the way you care for your lawn? (Asked of those who have gotten advice on how to take care of their lawn.) (Response analyzed: yes)Not a Delaware native 3.64***Resides in large city or urban area 3.07**
Male2.46*
African-American 2.06*
Most likely to say books etc.
Most likely to say university
Most likely to say they changed
Most likely not to say books etc.
Most likely not to say university
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 264
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-2.61**
College graduate -3.46***Is a Delaware native -3.46***
Most likely not to say
they changed
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 265
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Leave grass clippings on lawn.)
Resides in rural area
3.97***
Male 2.82**
Sussex County resident
2.79**
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.68**Resides in Region 4 2.60**Profession: Construction 2.53*White 2.30*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.18*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.11*Not a neighborhood association member 2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
18-24 years old -2.03*Resides in suburban area -2.30*65 years or older -2.42*Female -2.66**Neighborhood association member -2.86**Resides in Region 1 -3.04**African-American -3.19**
New Castle County resident
-3.32***
Not a landowner -3.97***Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -4.07***
Most likely to say they leave grass clippings
Most likely not to say they leave grass clippings
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 266
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Mow your lawn at a higher height.)
Graduate or professional degree
3.53***
White 3.07**55-64 years old 3.05**
Owns less than 1 acre
2.60**
Male 2.54*Profession: Construction 2.42*Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.25*45-54 years old 2.23*Neighborhood association member 2.17*Profession: Consulting 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
25-34 years old -2.10*65 years or older -2.37*Female -2.49*Other type of profession -2.50*Not a neighborhood association member -2.56*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.72**Profession: Public service -3.42***Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -3.52***
Most likely to say they mow
at higher height
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 267
18-24 years old
-3.55***
No high school diploma -4.15***African-American -4.25***Not a landowner -5.18***
Most likely not to say
they mow at higher height
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 268
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Reduce the amount of fertilizer used.)
Owns less than 1 acre
3.18**
White 2.67**Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.16*
Resides in Region 5
2.14*
Sussex County resident 2.00*Male 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres -1.99*No high school diploma -2.37*Profession: Medical -2.47*Resides in large city or urban area -2.66**
African-American
-2.67**
Homemaker -2.89**Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -3.53***Not a landowner -4.86***
Most likely to say they reduce
fertilizer used
Most likely not to say
they reduce fertilizer used
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 269
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Reduce amount of turf by planting more vegetation.)
Owns less than 1 acre
3.59***
Neighborhood association member 3.44***Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.31***
55-64 years old
2.55*
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.36*Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.22*Profession: Teaching/education 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Retired
-2.18*
25-34 years old -2.25*65 years or older -2.39*African-American -2.41*Income less than $20,000 -2.48*No high school diploma -2.51*
Other type of profession
-2.81**
Resides in large city or urban area -2.88**Not a neighborhood association member -3.85***Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -4.80***Not a landowner -4.84***
Most likely to say they plant
more vegetation
Most likely not to say they plant
more vegetation
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 270
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Plant native species that require less water and fertilizer.)
Owns less than 1 acre
5.25***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.28**
Profession: Teaching/education
3.14**
55-64 years old 3.04**Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.83**Graduate or professional degree 2.78**Profession: Consulting 2.77**Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.76**Neighborhood association member 2.58**Some college or trade school 2.39*Not a Delaware native 2.38*45-54 years old 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member -1.97*Resides in large city or urban area -2.09*High school graduate or equivalent -2.45*65 years or older -2.45*Retired -2.49*Income less than $20,000 -2.89**
Most likely to say they plant native species
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 271
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
-3.05**
No high school diploma -3.77***Not a landowner -4.35***Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -4.45***
Most likely not to say they plant
native species
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 272
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Use organic lawn care products.)
Profession: Teaching/education
3.70***
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 3.58***Graduate or professional degree 3.51***
Asian-American
3.10**
Owns less than 1 acre 3.07**55-64 years old 2.86**Neighborhood association member 2.35*Unemployed 2.35*Not a Delaware native 2.08*Student 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old
-2.56*
Profession: Industry -2.79**High school graduate or equivalent -2.85**Profession: Construction -2.99**
Most likely to say they use
organic products
Most likely not to say they use organic products
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 273
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Test soil for nitrates/phosphorous on a regular basis.)
Profession: Teaching/education
2.79**
Graduate or professional degree 2.12*
Income over $150,000 2.10*
Sussex County resident 1.98*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Industry -2.00*Lived in Delaware 21-25 years -2.08*
Resides in Region 1
-2.21*
35-44 years old -2.82**New Castle County resident -3.17**
Q63. Does your household currently do the following lawn care practices? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (None of these.)
Not a landowner
4.14***
African-American 3.72***Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 2.16*Lived in Delaware 5 years or less 2.10*Income less than $20,000 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
White
-2.24*
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.) (Cost.)
Most likely to say they test
soil
Most likely not to say
they test soil
Most likely to say none
Most likely not to say
none
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 274
Lived in Delaware 11-15 years
6.48***
No high school diploma 4.47***
Resides in Region 4
3.60***
55-64 years old 3.12**Profession: Industry 2.83**Sussex County resident 2.17*Resides in rural area 2.06*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say cost
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 275
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.) (Not concerned.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
3.69***
High school graduate or equivalent 2.70**Owns less than 1 acre 2.25*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.) (Don't think my behavior is wrong.)
Profession: Industry
4.18***
Income over $150,000 3.50***Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.69**Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.48*African-American 2.04*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.) (Not aware that my behavior is a problem.)Owns 1 to 20 acres 3.97***Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.18*Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.08*Resides in suburban area 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say not
concerned
Most likely to say they don’t
think behavior is
wrong
Most likely to say they are not aware
behavior is a problem
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 276
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.) (Time/work too much/etc.)Student
3.78***College graduate 2.14*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in any of these activities? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn but do not follow any of the lawn care practices listed in Question 63.) (Don't have expertise/don't know how.)College graduate 2.14*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say time/they
work too much
Most likely to say they don’t
know how
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 277
Q67. Would you be willing to spend more money on a smaller property lot if you knew that the neighborhood would have a large area of open space? (Asked of those who said that they have a lawn.) (Response analyzed: yes)
Graduate or professional degree
5.33***
Neighborhood association member 3.57***White 3.34***
Resides in suburban area
3.34***
New Castle County resident 3.04**Is a Delaware native 2.48*Student 2.45*Profession: Accounting/finance 2.39*Resides in Region 1 2.26*Profession: Teaching/education 2.24*Disabled 2.21*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in rural area -2.08*Retired -2.30*High school graduate or equivalent -2.43*
Not a neighborhood association member
-2.62**
Kent County resident -2.71**No high school diploma -2.76**Resides in Region 3 -2.89**
Most likely to say they would be willing
Most likely not to say
they would be willing
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 278
WATER QUALITY AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENTThe demographic characteristics correlate to water quality and storm water management as
follows:
Gender: Males were more likely than were females to say that storm water runoff is a
major or minor environmental concern in Delaware, and they were more likely to say that
they were aware before the survey that storm water runoff can impact water quality.
Ethnicity: White people were more likely than were those of other ethnic groups to say
that storm water runoff is a major or minor environmental concern in Delaware, and they
were more likely to say that they were aware before the survey that storm water runoff
can impact water quality.
Education Level: College graduates, with or without a post-graduate degree, were more
likely than were those without a college degree to say that they were aware before the
survey that storm water runoff can impact water quality.
For each of the activities listed in the survey, the demographic characteristics of those most
likely to practice the particular activity are as follows:
Clean up and properly dispose of pet waste: White; is in the teaching/education
profession; owns 20 acres or less.
Wash their car on the lawn: Hispanic; is in industry; resides in a rural area, resides in
Kent County/Region 3.
Use biodegradable detergents when washing their car: Hispanic; resides in a rural
area, resides in Sussex County or Kent County, resides in Region 3, 4, or 5.
Collect motor oil and dispose of it properly: Male; white; is in construction or
industry; resides in a rural area, resides in Kent County.
Plant rain gardens: Male; white or Asian-American; is in the public service profession;
resides in Kent County/Region 3.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 279
Construct swales: Male; has household income of $100,000 or over; resides Region 2
or 5.
Use rain barrels to collect storm water: Is in the medical or consulting professions;
resides in New Castle County, particularly Region 1; owns less than 1 acre.
Move drain spouts so runoff flows onto lawn instead of driveway: White; has a
graduate or professional degree; owns 20 acres or less.
Be more diligent in keeping the street-side gutter clear: Resides in New Castle
County, particularly Region 1, and resides in a suburban area; owns less than 1 acre.
Plan landscape with environmental health in mind: White; has a graduate or
professional degree; resides in a rural area; owns 20 acres or less.
Limit the use of salt on paved areas in winter: White; is a college graduate, with or
without a post-graduate degree; is in the consulting profession; owns less than 1 acre.
Reduce impervious surfaces and replace with more pervious materials: White; is in
the medical profession or in industry; resides in Region 5; owns 20 acres or less.
None of these: African-American or native-American; is retired; resides in New Castle
County, particularly Region 1, resides in a large city or urban area; is not a landowner.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 280
Q74. Would you say that storm water runoff is a major environmental concern, a minor environmental concern, or not an environmental concern in Delaware? (Response analyzed: major or minor concern)
White
4.23***
Male 3.64***
25-34 years old
2.74**
College graduate 2.69**Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.23*Profession: Medical 2.20*Profession: Construction 2.12*45-54 years old 1.98*Neighborhood association member 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Homemaker -1.98*
Female
-3.63***
No high school diploma -4.16***
Most likely to say it is a concern
Most likely not to say it is
a concern
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 281
Q75. Before this survey, would you say that you were aware that storm water runoff can impact water quality in Delaware? (Response analyzed: aware)
Male
5.91***
Owns less than 1 acre 4.57***
Graduate or professional degree
3.70***
White 3.52***45-54 years old 3.52***Neighborhood association member 3.23**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.75**Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.75**Profession: Medical 2.47*College graduate 2.37*Profession: Construction 2.15*Profession: Industry 2.14*Other type of profession 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old -1.97*
Most likely to say they were
aware
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 282
Lived in Delaware 5 years or less -1.99*Hispanic -2.18*Profession: Public service -2.32*Income less than $20,000 -2.54*Resides in large city or urban area -2.71**High school graduate or equivalent -2.81**Not a neighborhood association member -3.08**Homemaker -3.79***African-American -4.10***
No high school diploma
-4.42***
Not a landowner -5.00***18-24 years old -5.10***Female -5.66***
Most likely not to say they were
aware
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 283
Q77. Where do you think that storm water runoff goes? (Those who said into streams and other waterways.)
Male
6.5***
Graduate or professional degree 4.98***Owns less than 1 acre 4.25***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
4.00***
Profession: Construction 3.08**College graduate 2.89**New Castle County resident 2.73**Income over $150,000 2.72**Neighborhood association member 2.26*Asian-American 2.11*Profession: Industry 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 4 -2.04*African-American -2.24*18-24 years old -2.34*Homemaker -2.48*Income less than $20,000 -2.50*No high school diploma -2.55*Unemployed -2.58**
High school graduate or equivalent
-5.08***
Not a landowner -5.74***Female -6.29***
Most likely to say into streams
Most likely not to say into
streams
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 284
Q77. Where do you think that storm water runoff goes? (Those who said into the soil.)
Profession: Public service
3.37***
Profession: Agriculture/farming 3.17**
College graduate
2.57*
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 2.33*Resides in Region 4 2.17*Resides in small city or town 2.08*Not a neighborhood association member 2.01*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
No high school diploma -1.98*Other type of profession -2.13*Neighborhood association member -2.32*New Castle County resident -2.6**
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
-2.70**
Resides in large city or urban area -3.01**Resides in Region 1 -3.41***
Most likely to say into the
soil
Most likely not to say into
the soil
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 285
Q77. Where do you think that storm water runoff goes? (Those who said into a treatment plant.)
Disabled
5.06***
Resides in Region 1 3.91***
Neighborhood association member
2.60**
New Castle County resident 2.57*Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.51*Homemaker 2.47*Resides in large city or urban area 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 5 -2.03*Resides in Region 3 -2.21*
Retired
-2.22*
Not a neighborhood association member -2.24*Resides in rural area -2.70**
Most likely to say into a
treatment plant
Most likely not to say into a
treatment plant
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 286
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said there are no storm water structures.)
Resides in rural area
4.62***
Not a neighborhood association member 4.41***Sussex County resident 3.81***
Owns 1 to 20 acres
3.09**
Resides in Region 5 2.87**Male 2.64**Profession: Construction 2.19*Owns over 100 acres 2.12*Not a Delaware native 2.06*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in suburban area -2.07*College graduate -2.17*Lived in Delaware over 25 years -2.30*Female -2.50*Profession: Industry -2.64**Is a Delaware native -2.70**Income between $100,000 and $149,999 -3.72***
Resides in Region 1
-3.78***
New Castle County resident -4.20***Owns less than 1 acre -4.92***Neighborhood association member -5.30***
Most likely to say no storm
water structures
Most likely not to say no storm water structures
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 287
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said storm water ponds.)
Neighborhood association member
4.30***
Profession: Construction 3.84***
College graduate
3.12**
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.88**45-54 years old 2.62**Resides in Region 2 2.20*Profession: Consulting 2.02*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
African-American -1.97*25-34 years old -2.03*Income less than $20,000 -2.03*Not a landowner -2.10*
Profession: Public service
-2.27*
No high school diploma -2.30*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -3.05**Not a neighborhood association member -4.78***
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said swales.)
Neighborhood association member
4.22***
Income over $150,000 3.36***
Most likely to say storm
water ponds
Most likely to say swales
Most likely not to say
storm water ponds
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 288
Profession: Consulting
2.78**
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.64**Owns less than 1 acre 2.53*Profession: Industry 2.27*Graduate or professional degree 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member
-4.46*** Most likely not to say
swales
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 289
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said rain gardens.)
Income between $60,000 and $79,999
4.39***
Profession: Consulting 3.31***
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
2.94**
Graduate or professional degree 2.42*Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.14*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said drainage ditches.)Owns less than 1 acre 2.84**Graduate or professional degree 2.75**
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 1
-2.34*
Resides in large city or urban area -2.95**Not a landowner -3.33***
Most likely to say rain gardens
Most likely to say drainage
ditches
Most likely not to say drainage ditches
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 290
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said storm drains/gutters.)
Resides in Region 1
4.44***
Neighborhood association member 4.26***Owns less than 1 acre 3.95***New Castle County resident 3.94***
Resides in large city or urban area
3.58***
Lived in Delaware over 25 years 3.49***Graduate or professional degree 3.28**45-54 years old 2.73**Resides in suburban area 2.54*Is a Delaware native 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Agriculture/farming -2.41*Income less than $20,000 -2.45*Homemaker -2.78**Sussex County resident -3.08**
Not a neighborhood association member
-3.10**
Owns 1 to 20 acres -3.16**Resides in Region 5 -4.20***Resides in rural area -5.18***
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said barriers/walls.)
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
4.99***
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.20**
Most likely to say storm drains and
gutters
Most likely not to say
storm drains and gutters
Most likely to say barriers/
walls
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 291
Profession: Consulting
2.48*
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.37*Not a landowner 2.17*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 292
Q69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (Those who said constructed wetlands.)Graduate or professional degree
4.20***Profession: Teaching/education 3.33***Owns less than 1 acre 3.02**
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said individual homeowners.)
Profession: Public service
4.34***
Resides in rural area 4.09***Owns 1 to 20 acres 3.95***
45-54 years old
2.96**
Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.91**Asian-American 2.78**Profession: Medical 2.02*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns less than 1 acre
-2.29*
Profession: Industry -2.31*25-34 years old -2.45*
Most likely to say
constructed wetlands
Most likely to say
individuals/ homeowners
Most likely not to say
individuals/ homeowners
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 293
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said neighborhood.)
Neighborhood association member
4.19***
Owns less than 1 acre 3.30***
Resides in suburban area
2.75**
Resides in Region 5 2.51*Profession: Industry 2.23*African-American 2.21*Profession: Consulting 2.19*No high school diploma 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in small city or town -2.11*
Income between $40,000 and $59,999
-2.16*
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.30*Not a neighborhood association member -3.80***
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said city.)
Resides in small city or town
5.52***
Resides in large city or urban area 3.60***
Most likely to say
neighborhood
Most likely to say city
Most likely not to say
neighborhood
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 294
Profession: Construction
2.97**
Owns less than 1 acre 2.77**Profession: Consulting 2.74**Resides in Region 3 2.72**Graduate or professional degree 2.35*Kent County resident 2.27*Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.26*Profession: Industry 2.22*Male 2.22*35-44 years old 2.07*White 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 2 -2.06*Female -2.08*Resides in Region 5 -2.55*Other type of profession -2.63**
Resides in suburban area
-2.82**
High school graduate or equivalent -2.87**Resides in rural area -3.68***
Most likely not to say city
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 295
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said state.)
Resides in rural area
3.92***
Owns 1 to 20 acres 3.26**
55-64 years old
2.85**
Owns 21 to 40 acres 2.76**Owns over 100 acres 2.76**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.41*Not a neighborhood association member 2.39*Profession: Medical 2.22*Resides in Region 2 2.16*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident -2.40*
Neighborhood association member
-2.59**
25-34 years old -2.68**Resides in Region 1 -2.79**
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said developers.)
55-64 years old
2.67**
Resides in Region 2 2.44*Graduate or professional degree 2.10*Income over $150,000 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say the state
Most likely to say
developers
Most likely not to say the
state
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 296
Resides in Region 1
-2.01* Most likely not to say developers
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 297
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said county.)
Resides in suburban area
5.05***
Resides in Region 1 4.33***
New Castle County resident
3.61***
Disabled 3.44***Owns 81 to 100 acres 3.14**Neighborhood association member 2.67**Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.63**45-54 years old 2.38*Profession: Medical 2.27*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 5 -1.98*18-24 years old -1.99*Resides in large city or urban area -2.04*Income less than $20,000 -2.11*Resides in rural area -2.24*Sussex County resident -2.37*Profession: Public service -2.50*African-American -2.52*Not a neighborhood association member -2.89**Profession: Industry -2.90**
Most likely to say county
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 298
Resides in small city or town
-2.93**
Resides in Region 3 -2.95**Kent County resident -2.96**
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said town.)
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
4.65***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.71***
Student
3.30**
Graduate or professional degree 2.75**Resides in small city or town 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say town
Most likely not to say
county
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 299
Q72. Who maintains these storm water structures? (Asked of those who said that their property or neighborhood has storm water structures.) (Those who said nobody.)Resides in Region 5
2.73**Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q87. Would you say that runoff from pet waste is a major environmental concern, a minor environmental concern, or not an environmental concern in Delaware? (Response analyzed: major or minor concern)
Income between $40,000 and $59,999
2.74**
Some college or trade school 2.69**Student 2.15*Profession: Medical 2.15*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
No high school diploma -3.09**
Q79. Do you have a stream or a pond on your property? (Response analyzed: yes)
Resides in rural area
4.70***
Owns over 100 acres 4.47***Profession: Agriculture/farming 4.27***
Income over $150,000
3.49***
45-54 years old 3.46***Owns 21 to 40 acres 2.95**Owns 81 to 100 acres 2.76**
Most likely to say nobody
Most likely to say it is a concern
Most likely not to say it is
a concern
Most likely to say they have a stream or
pond
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 300
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in suburban area
-2.23*
Resides in Region 1 -2.40*Income less than $20,000 -2.53*25-34 years old -2.56*Not a landowner -3.08**
Most likely not to say
they have a stream or
pond
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 301
Q80. Do you maintain mowed grass or an herbaceous border along the bank? (Asked of those who said that they have a stream or pond on their property.) (Those who maintain an herbaceous border.)
Neighborhood association member
2.85**
Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.73**Homemaker 2.72**35-44 years old 2.57*Profession: Industry 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner
-2.07*
Not a neighborhood association member -2.31*
Q80. Do you maintain mowed grass or an herbaceous border along the bank? (Asked of those who said that they have a stream or pond on their property.) (Those who maintain neither mowed grass or an herbaceous border.)Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.49*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns 1 to 20 acres
-2.46*
Q80. Do you maintain mowed grass or an herbaceous border along the bank? (Asked of those who said that they have a stream or pond on their property.) (Those who maintain both mowed grass and an herbaceous border.)
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years
3.23**
No high school diploma 3.03**
55-64 years old
2.43*
Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.39*Profession: Medical 2.23*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.10*
Most likely to say they maintain an
herbaceous border
Most likely not to say they maintain an herbaceous border
Most likely to say neither
Most likely not to say
neither
Most likely to say both
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 302
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns less than 1 acre -2.11*
Resides in Region 1
-2.11* Most likely not to say
both
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 303
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting a herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said cost.)
Income between $20,000 and $39,999
3.45***
Retired 2.75**65 years or older 2.43*Is a Delaware native 2.15*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a Delaware native -1.97*
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting a herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said not concerned.)
Profession: Agriculture/farming
3.67***
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 3.53***Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.44*Profession: Public service 2.44*Owns over 100 acres 2.39*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting a herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said don't think my behavior is wrong.)Profession: Industry 2.74**Profession: Consulting 2.49*No high school diploma 2.44*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say cost
Most likely not to say
cost
Most likely to say not
concerned
Most likely to say they don’t think their behavior is
wrong
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 304
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said don't like the way it looks.)
Income between $20,000 and $39,999
3.45***
Retired 2.75**65 years or older 2.43*Is a Delaware native 2.15*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a Delaware native -1.97*
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said increase undesirable animals/insects.)
Income between $20,000 and $39,999
3.45***
Retired 2.75**65 years or older 2.43*Is a Delaware native 2.15*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a Delaware native -1.97*
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said time/work too much/etc.)Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 3.25**Graduate or professional degree 3.18**Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.15*
Most likely to say they don’t like the
way it looks
Most likely to say it increases undesirable
animals
Most likely to say time/ work too
much
Most likely not to say they don’t like
the way it looks
Most likely not to say it increases
undesirable animals
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 305
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 306
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said too much trouble/too lazy.)
Income between $60,000 and $79,999
3.53***
25-34 years old 3.53***
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
2.88**
Profession: Industry 2.88**Resides in Region 2 2.76**
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said don't have expertise.)Some college or trade school 2.44*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.14*Not a landowner 2.04*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said they rent.)
Hispanic
2.82**
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.68**Profession: Military 2.49*Income less than $20,000 2.39*18-24 years old 2.39*Some college or trade school 2.15*Not a landowner 2.02*
Most likely to say too much
trouble
Most likely to say they don’t have expertise
Most likely to say they rent
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 307
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident -2.35*
Most likely not to say they rent
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 308
Q83. What are the main reasons you would not consider planting an herbaceous border along the water on your property? (Asked of those who said they would not plant an herbaceous border along the pond or stream on their property.) (Those who said safety.)
Owns over 100 acres
3.53***
Income between $40,000 and $59,999
2.88**
Resides in Region 5 2.39*Sussex County resident 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q85. If you received cost-sharing and technical support, would you be likely or unlikely to plant a stream or pond bank border? (Asked of those who said they have a stream of pond on their property and they do not plant an herbaceous border along it.) (Response analyzed: likely)Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.33*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.18*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.11*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
65 years or older
-2.23*
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.53*Not a landowner -3.17**
Q86. Would you plant an herbaceous border if you were provided a design that is pleasing to the eye and maintains a partial view of the stream or pond? (Asked of those who said they have a stream of pond on their property and they do not plant an herbaceous border.) (Response analyzed: likely)Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.86**35-44 years old 2.39*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.19*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say safety
Most likely to say they would be
likely
Most likely not to say
they would be likely
Most likely to say they
would plant a border
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 309
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
-2.33*
Income over $150,000 -2.57*65 years or older -3.10**
Most likely not to say
they would plant a border
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 310
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities (of those with a pet)? (Those who said clean up and properly dispose of pet's waste.)
White
4.02***
Profession: Teaching/education 2.63**
Income between $80,000 and $99,999
2.38*
45-54 years old 2.35*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.20*Owns less than 1 acre 2.18*High school graduate or equivalent 2.02*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-1.98*
Retired -3.83***
Not a landowner
-3.94***
African-American -3.95***65 years or older -4.00***
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities (of those with a car)? (Those who said wash the car on the lawn.)
Resides in rural area
3.28**
Some college or trade school 2.35*
45-54 years old
2.35*
Resides in Region 3 2.33*Hispanic 2.14*Kent County resident 2.12*
Most likely to say they clean up pet waste
Most likely to say they wash car on lawn
Most likely not to say
they clean up pet waste
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 311
Profession: Industry 2.11*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Graduate or professional degree -2.08*
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
-2.09*
Resides in Region 1 -3.33***New Castle County resident -3.56***
Most likely not to say
they wash car on lawn
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 312
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities (of those with a car)? (Those who said use biodegradable detergents when washing the car.)
Resides in rural area
4.76***
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.20**Sussex County resident 3.19**
Resides in Region 4
2.42*
Disabled 2.24*Resides in Region 3 2.20*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.16*Resides in Region 5 2.10*Kent County resident 2.08*Owns 61 to 80 acres 2.02*Hispanic 2.00*Student 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Asian-American -2.34*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 -2.37*
Not a landowner
-2.73**
Resides in large city or urban area -2.98**Homemaker -3.01**New Castle County resident -4.14***Resides in Region 1 -4.47***
Most likely to say they use
biodegradable detergents
Most likely not to say they use
biodegradable detergents
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 313
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities (of those with a car)? (Those who said collect motor oil and dispose of it properly.)
Owns 1 to 20 acres
4.24***
White 3.83***25-34 years old 3.68***
Resides in rural area
3.49***
Male 3.24**Other type of profession 2.74**Profession: Construction 2.59**Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.58**Kent County resident 2.46*35-44 years old 2.43*Student 2.37*Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.07*Profession: Industry 2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in small city or town -2.10*New Castle County resident -2.27*Resides in Region 1 -2.29*Resides in large city or urban area -2.69**
Most likely to say they
dispose of oil properly
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 314
Female
-3.35***
Not a landowner -3.41***African-American -3.48***Retired -5.26***65 years or older -6.25***
Most likely not to say
they dispose of oil
properly
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 315
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said plant rain gardens.)
Profession: Public service
2.88**
Disabled 2.64**Male 2.36*Asian-American 2.26*Kent County resident 2.13*Resides in Region 3 2.11*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Homemaker
-2.39*
Female -2.63**Retired -2.81**
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said construct swales.)
Neighborhood association member
5.01***
Male 3.67***Income between $100,000 and $149,999 3.59***
College graduate
3.30**
Income over $150,000 3.04**Owns 1 to 20 acres 3.01**Profession: Construction 2.93**Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.46*Resides in Region 5 2.10*Resides in Region 2 1.99*
Most likely to say they plant rain gardens
Most likely not to say they plant
rain gardens
Most likely to say they construct swales
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 316
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
25-34 years old -2.18*Income less than $20,000 -3.04**
No high school diploma
-3.09**
Female -3.60***Not a landowner -3.74***Not a neighborhood association member -4.57***
Most likely not to say
they construct swales
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 317
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said use rain barrels to collect storm water.)
Profession: Medical
3.27**
Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.95**
New Castle County resident
2.77**
45-54 years old 2.48*Owns less than 1 acre 2.30*Resides in Region 1 2.01*Profession: Consulting 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years -2.24*
Not a landowner
-2.54*
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.55*
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said move drain spouts so runoff flows onto lawn instead of driveway.)
Owns less than 1 acre
5.36***
Neighborhood association member 4.74***White 3.78***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
3.75***
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.31***Owns 1 to 20 acres 3.05**
Most likely to say they use rain barrels
Most likely not to say
they use rain barrels
Most likely to say they
move drain spouts
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 318
35-44 years old 2.90**Graduate or professional degree 2.82**55-64 years old 2.16*Other race identified 2.06*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
No high school diploma -2.69**Income less than $20,000 -3.02**Resides in large city or urban area -3.62***
18-24 years old
-3.85***
Not a neighborhood association member -4.18***African-American -4.96***Not a landowner -7.66***
Most likely not to say they move
drain spouts
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 319
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said be more diligent in keeping the street-side gutter clear.)
Neighborhood association member
6.49***
Owns less than 1 acre 6.25***
Resides in suburban area
4.14***
Resides in Region 1 3.54***55-64 years old 3.38***New Castle County resident 3.13**Other race identified 2.96**Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.64**Profession: Medical 2.21*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income less than $20,000 -2.34*Sussex County resident -2.43*Owns over 100 acres -2.43*
Resides in Region 4
-2.49*
Resides in rural area -4.54***Not a neighborhood association member -5.80***Not a landowner -6.61***
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said plan the landscape with environmental health in mind.)
Neighborhood association member
5.04***
55-64 years old 4.45***Owns less than 1 acre 4.39***Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.85***
Most likely to say they keep gutter clear
Most likely not to say they keep
gutter clear
Most likely to say they plan
landscape with environment in
mind
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 320
White
3.05**
Graduate or professional degree 2.80**Profession: Medical 2.52*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.37*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.26*Resides in rural area 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
African-American
-2.40*
Resides in Region 1 -2.46*25-34 years old -3.14**Not a neighborhood association member -3.63***Not a landowner -7.12***
Most likely not to say they plan
landscape with environment in
mind
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 321
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said limit the use of salt on paved areas in winter.)
Neighborhood association member
5.73***
Owns less than 1 acre 5.18***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
3.46***
55-64 years old 2.75**Profession: Consulting 2.40*Graduate or professional degree 2.26*College graduate 2.06*White 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns 61 to 80 acres -2.16*
Resides in large city or urban area
-2.26*
65 years or older -2.45*Not a neighborhood association member -4.17***Not a landowner -7.35***
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said reduce impervious surfaces and replace with more pervious materials.)
55-64 years old
4.62***
Owns 1 to 20 acres 3.50***Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.47***
Most likely to say they limit
salt use
Most likely not to say
they limit salt use
Most likely to say they reduce
impervious surfaces
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 322
White
3.02**
Neighborhood association member 2.67**Profession: Medical 2.44*Resides in Region 5 2.42*Income over $150,000 2.39*35-44 years old 2.22*Owns less than 1 acre 2.16*Profession: Industry 2.16*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Retired -2.04*
25-34 years old
-2.40*
Resides in Region 1 -2.49*African-American -2.54*65 years or older -2.79**Not a landowner -4.17***
Most likely not to say they reduce
impervious surfaces
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 323
Q90. Do you do any of the following activities? (Those who said none of these.)
Not a landowner
13.1***
Not a neighborhood association member 3.38***
Resides in Region 1
3.30**
Resides in large city or urban area 3.17**Retired 2.74**New Castle County resident 2.34*Native American 2.12*African-American 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 2 -2.08*25-34 years old -2.11*White -2.11*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 -2.42*Resides in rural area -3.10**
Neighborhood association member
-4.19***
Owns 1 to 20 acres -4.39***Owns less than 1 acre -5.81***
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said cost.)
College graduate
3.56***
Homemaker 3.27**Unemployed 2.58*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.26*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.19*Income between $60,000 and $79,999 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say none
Most likely not to say
none
Most likely to say cost
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 324
Not a landowner
-2.64** Most likely not to say
cost
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 325
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said not concerned.)Resides in Region 4
3.14**
Sussex County resident2.70**
65 years or older 1.99*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Graduate or professional degree
-2.11*
18-24 years old -2.16*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 -2.26*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years -2.26*Not a Delaware native -2.94**
Neighborhood association member
-3.05**
Not a landowner -3.19**New Castle County resident -3.52***
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said not aware that my behavior is a problem.)
Owns less than 1 acre
3.43***
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.35***Some college or trade school 2.02*Neighborhood association member 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner
-5.18***
Most likely to say not
concerned
Most likely not to say not
concerned
Most likely to say they are not aware behavior is wrong
Most likely not to say they are not
aware behavior is wrong
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 326
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said don't think my behavior is wrong.)
Other race identified
3.17**
Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.98**Male 2.60**Profession: Construction 2.53*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Female
-2.54*
Most likely to say they don’t think
behavior is wrong
Most likely not to say they don’t think behavior is wrong
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 327
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said time/work.)
25-34 years old
2.67**
Income over $150,000 2.33*Other race identified 2.28*Lived in Delaware 5 years or less 2.10*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner
-2.14*
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said too much trouble/too lazy.)
Profession: Consulting
3.47***
Is a Delaware native 3.04**
No high school diploma
3.02**
65 years or older 2.99**Owns less than 1 acre 2.76**Unemployed 2.53*Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.09*Income less than $20,000 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 4 -2.06*
Other type of profession
-2.54*
High school graduate or equivalent -2.77**Not a Delaware native -3.00**
Most likely to say time/
work
Most likely not to say time/work
Most likely to say too much
trouble
Most likely not to say too much trouble
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 328
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said don't like the way it looks/aesthetics.)
Owns over 100 acres
3.22**
Profession: Sales 3.03**
Homemaker
2.56*
Student 2.31*Is a Delaware native 2.21*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said safety.)
Owns over 100 acres
10.32***
Profession: Agriculture/farming 6.00***Profession: Sales 5.07***Income between $80,000 and $99,999 4.03***55-64 years old 3.29**Sussex County resident 2.09*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
New Castle County resident
-2.15*
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said the state doesn't do it.)
Owns over 100 acres
10.32***
Profession: Agriculture/farming 5.29***
Most likely to say aesthetics
Most likely to say safety
Most likely not to say
safety
Most likely to say the state doesn’t do it
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 329
Profession: Sales
4.49***
Income between $80,000 and $99,999 3.36***55-64 years old 3.29**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.04*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 330
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said they don't change their own oil.)
Retired
3.93***
65 years or older 3.75***No high school diploma 2.71**
Graduate or professional degree
2.65**
Not a Delaware native 2.45*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.34*Other race identified 2.28*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
25-34 years old -2.21*
Some college or trade school
-2.23*
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 -2.59**Profession: Public service -3.10**Is a Delaware native -3.14**
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said they don’t landscape.)
Not a landowner
3.80***
Asian-American 3.62***Hispanic 2.50*
Resides in Region 1
2.49*
Unemployed 2.48*
Most likely to say they don’t change their
own oil
Most likely not to say they don’t
change their own oil
Most likely to say they don’t
landscape
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 331
Resides in suburban area 2.06*No high school diploma 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
White -2.27*
Other type of profession
-2.34*
Resides in rural area -2.37*55-64 years old -2.46*Some college or trade school -2.57*
Most likely not to say they don’t landscape
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 332
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said it is not their responsibility.)
Owns 81 to 100 acres
3.85***
College graduate 2.82**Profession: Military 2.24*Profession: Consulting 2.18*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
High school graduate or equivalent
-3.02**
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said they already do a lot.)
Income between $60,000 and $79,999
3.07**
35-44 years old 2.84**Income between $40,000 and $59,999 2.46*
Profession: Medical
2.32*
Profession: Consulting 2.26*Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said they don't need to/they don't have a reason to/it is not a problem here.)
Not a landowner
3.38***
Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.92**
Most likely to say it isn’t
their responsibility
Most likely not to say it isn’t their
responsibility
Most likely to say they
already to a lot
Most likely to say they don’t
need to
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 333
Other type of profession
2.51*
Native American 2.39*Resides in suburban area 2.38*Profession: Sales 2.25*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 334
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said they don't wash their car at home.)
Profession: Medical
4.75***
55-64 years old 2.61**
Profession: Industry
2.60**
Not a Delaware native 2.39*Income over $150,000 2.10*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.10*Other race identified 2.05*Graduate or professional degree 2.01*Owns less than 1 acre 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
-1.97*
Is a Delaware native -2.00*
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said age.)65 years or older 6.32***
Retired
5.14***
Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.83**Owns over 100 acres 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
35-44 years old -2.12*
Most likely to say they don’t wash their car at home
Most likely to say age
Most likely not to say they don’t wash
their car at home
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 335
Neighborhood association member
-2.15*
45-54 years old -2.21*
Most likely not to say age
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 336
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said maintained by others.)
Not a landowner
5.09***
65 years or older 3.89***Resides in Region 4 2.33*
No high school diploma
2.29*
White 2.17*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some of these activities that could reduce the impact of storm water runoff from your property? (Those who said lack of information.)Graduate or professional degree 2.49*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member
-2.32*
Most likely to say
maintained by others
Most likely to say lack of information
Most likely not to say
lack of information
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 337
BEHAVIOR CHANGES AND WATER QUALITYFor each of the problems listed in the survey (e.g., increased fish kills, degraded aquatic habitat),
the demographic characteristics of those most likely to say they would change their behaviors to
help improve water quality are as follows:
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to increased fish kills: Female; white.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to degraded aquatic habitat: From 25 to 54 years old; white.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to a less diverse ecosystem: Less than 45 years of age; white;
has a graduate or professional degree.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to having to close swimming areas: Female; white; resides in
New Castle County, resides in a suburban area.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to having to close fishing areas: Female; less than 35 years of
age; white; is in the accounting/finance or public service professions.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to unsafe drinking water: Female; white; is in the public
service profession.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to health hazards from polluted water while wading or
swimming: Female; white; is in the accounting/finance or public service professions;
resides in New Castle County, particularly Region 1, resides in a suburban area.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to health hazards to their children: Female; white; is in the
accounting/finance or public service professions; resides in New Castle County.
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to genetic mutations and birth defects: Female; is in the
accounting/finance or public service professions; resides in New Castle County.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 338
Those who would change their behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that
poor water quality leads to lower property values: Female; has a graduate or
professional degree; is in the accounting/finance or public service professions.
Those who said they have already changed their behaviors: African-American; resides
in Region 5, resides in a small city or town; owns over 100 acres.
The survey asked respondents if they would be likely or unlikely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality with certain stipulations (e.g., if they knew that they could help protect
future generations, if they received a tax break). For each question in the survey, the
demographic characteristics of those most likely to say they would be likely to change their
behaviors to help improve water quality are as follows:
Those who would be likely to change their behavior to help improve water quality if they
knew that they could help protect future generations: Is in the public service,
industry, or accounting/finance profession; is a Delaware native.
Those who would be likely to change their behavior to help improve water quality if they
received a tax break: White; is in the industry or public service profession; resides in a
suburban area, resides in Region 2; is a Delaware native; owns less than 1 acre.
Those who would be likely to change their behavior to help improve water quality if they
had to pay a small fee on their property tax bill but they knew it was being used for
conservation purposes: There are no strong demographic patterns.
Those who would be likely to change their behavior to help improve water quality if they
received financial assistance for implementing water conservation practices to
reduce storm water runoff: Is less than 45 years old; is in the public service or
accounting/finance profession; resides in Region 2; is a Delaware native.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 339
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: increased fish kills? (Those who said increased fish kills.)
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
3.14**
Profession: Accounting/finance 2.93**
Neighborhood association member
2.38*
Some college or trade school 2.34*Homemaker 2.17*Female 2.16*18-24 years old 2.04*White 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Hispanic -1.99*Profession: Construction -2.09*Male -2.26*Not a neighborhood association member -2.31*
Resides in small city or town
-2.35*
Owns over 100 acres -2.78**Retired -2.89**65 years or older -3.46***
Most likely to say increased
fish kills
Most likely not to say
increased fish kills
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 340
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: degraded aquatic habitat? (Those who said degraded aquatic habitat.)
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
3.13**
Profession: Accounting/finance 3.07**Neighborhood association member 2.88**
Income between $60,000 and $79,999
2.65**
White 2.63**Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.53*25-34 years old 2.26*Some college or trade school 2.20*35-44 years old 1.99*45-54 years old 1.98*Graduate or professional degree 1.96
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
No high school diploma -2.13*
Kent County resident
-2.35*
Owns over 100 acres -2.63**Not a neighborhood association member -2.66**Retired -3.53***65 years or older -4.44***
Most likely to say degraded
aquatic habitat
Most likely not to say degraded aquatic habitat
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 341
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: a less diverse ecosystem? (Those who said a less diverse ecosystem.)
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
3.80***
Neighborhood association member 3.66***White 3.55***
Graduate or professional degree
3.34***
35-44 years old 3.20**Profession: Accounting/finance 3.14**Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 3.06**Homemaker 2.87**Other type of profession 2.81**Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.65**25-34 years old 2.43*18-24 years old 2.27*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Construction -1.96*Resides in small city or town -2.09*Owns over 100 acres -2.24*Hispanic -2.26*Kent County resident -2.31*Profession: Agriculture/farming -2.51*
Most likely to say a less diverse
ecosystem
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 342
Not a neighborhood association member
-3.11**
No high school diploma -3.19**Retired -5.18***65 years or older -5.87***
Most likely not to say a less diverse ecosystem
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 343
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: swimming areas having to be closed? (Those who said swimming areas having to be closed.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
3.31***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.85**Neighborhood association member 2.66**
Female
2.44*
White 2.40*25-34 years old 2.25*New Castle County resident 2.23*Resides in suburban area 2.07*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member -2.25*Kent County resident -2.29*Owns over 100 acres -2.38*Male -2.55*
Retired
-2.75**
65 years or older -3.37***
Most likely to say swimming areas
having to be closed
Most likely not to say swimming areas having to be closed
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 344
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: fishing areas having to be closed? (Those who said fishing areas having to be closed.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
3.35***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.95**White 2.53*
Female
2.42*
18-24 years old 2.17*Profession: Public service 2.11*Student 1.99*25-34 years old 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Kent County resident-1.96*
No high school diploma
-1.98*
Owns over 100 acres -2.33*Male -2.52*Retired -2.84**65 years or older -3.95***
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: unsafe drinking water? (Those who said unsafe drinking water.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
2.74**
Female 2.51*
Most likely to say fishing
areas having to be closed
Most likely not to say
fishing areas having to be
closed
Most likely to say unsafe
drinking water
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 345
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
2.51*
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.31*Neighborhood association member 2.29*White 2.28*Homemaker 2.27*Profession: Public service 2.26*35-44 years old 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member -2.06*Male -2.60**
Owns over 100 acres
-2.73**
Retired -4.11***65 years or older -4.76***
Most likely not to say unsafe
drinking water
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 346
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: health hazards from polluted water while wading or swimming? (Those who said polluted water while wading or swimming.)Profession: Accounting/finance
2.92**Neighborhood association member 2.90**
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
2.82**
New Castle County resident 2.74**Homemaker 2.51*Female 2.50*Profession: Public service 2.40*Resides in Region 1 2.27*White 2.26*Resides in suburban area 2.14*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Hispanic
-1.98*
Kent County resident -2.43*Not a neighborhood association member -2.54*Male -2.60**
No high school diploma
-2.76**
Owns over 100 acres -2.79**Retired -3.25**65 years or older -4.00***
Most likely to say polluted swimming/
wading waters
Most likely not to say polluted
swimming/wading waters
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 347
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: health hazards to your children? (Those who said health hazards to their children.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
3.00**
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.75**Homemaker 2.61**
Neighborhood association member
2.26*
White 2.14*35-44 years old 2.11*Female 2.07*Profession: Public service 2.03*New Castle County resident 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member -2.11*
Male
-2.16*
No high school diploma -2.30*Owns over 100 acres -2.42*Retired -3.64***65 years or older -4.46***
Most likely to say health hazards to children
Most likely not to say
health hazards to children
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 348
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: genetic mutations and birth defects? (Those who said birth defects.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
3.04**
Female 2.80**
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
2.55*
Profession: Public service 2.35*Homemaker 2.32*35-44 years old 2.28*Neighborhood association member 2.04*Some college or trade school 2.03*Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.00*Graduate or professional degree 1.97*New Castle County resident 1.96
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Refused to state how many years lived in Delaware
-2.03*
Refused household income -2.11*Owns over 100 acres -2.35*Male -2.90**
No high school diploma
-3.05**
Retired -3.42***65 years or older -4.66***
Most likely to say birth defects
Most likely not to say
birth defects
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 349
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following: lower property values? (Those who said lower property values.)
Profession: Accounting/finance
3.58***
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.83**Female 2.72**
35-44 years old
2.45*
Profession: Public service 2.44*Graduate or professional degree 2.25*25-34 years old 2.22*Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.18*Neighborhood association member 2.13*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres -2.12*Hispanic -2.12*
Profession: Construction
-2.58**
Male -2.83**Not a landowner -3.65***Retired -3.68***65 years or older -4.32***
Q95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that poor water quality leads to the following? (Those who said they have already altered their behavior/they do these things.)
Most likely to say lower property values
Most likely not to say
lower property values
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 350
Owns over 100 acres
4.69***
African-American 2.05*Not a neighborhood association member 2.02*
Resides in small city or town
2.00*
Resides in Region 5 1.99*Lived in Delaware 11-15 years 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income less than $20,000 -1.96*
Homemaker
-2.01*
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years -2.36*18-24 years old -2.55*
Most likely to say they already
altered their behavior
Most likely not to say they
already altered their behavior
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 351
Q96. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that you could help protect future generations? (Response analyzed: more likely)Is a Delaware native
2.91**Profession: Public service 2.53*
Profession: Industry
2.31*
Profession: Accounting/finance 2.01*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Unemployed
-2.20*
Not a Delaware native -2.64**
Profession: Medical
-2.80**
65 years or older -3.01**Hispanic -3.61***Retired -3.65***
Q97. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you received a tax break? (Response analyzed: more likely)
Resides in suburban area
3.52***
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.40***Owns less than 1 acre 3.30**
Most likely to say they would be
more likely
Most likely not to say
they would be more likely
Most likely to say they would be
more likely
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 352
College graduate
3.17**
Neighborhood association member 2.91**35-44 years old 2.74**Profession: Industry 2.55*Is a Delaware native 2.36*Profession: Public service 2.23*White 2.16*Lived in Delaware 6-10 years 2.09*Resides in Region 2 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
No high school diploma
-1.97*
Not a neighborhood association member -2.23*Other race identified -2.47*Owns 61 to 80 acres -2.62**Not a landowner -2.86**Income less than $20,000 -2.91**
Hispanic
-3.03**
Resides in small city or town -3.33***65 years or older -3.62***Retired -4.50***
Most likely not to say
they would be more likely
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 353
Q98. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you had to pay a small fee in your property tax bill but you knew that it was being used for conservation purposes? (Response analyzed: more likely)Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
3.42***25-34 years old 2.40*
35-44 years old
2.08*
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.07*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income less than $20,000 -1.99*
Kent County resident
-2.02*
Retired -2.15*Owns over 100 acres -2.49*
Q99. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you received financial assistance for implementing conservation practices to reduce storm water runoff? (Response analyzed: more likely)
Profession: Public service
3.23**
Resides in Region 2 2.90**Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.64**
18-24 years old
2.63**
25-34 years old 2.54*
Most likely to say they would be
more likely
Most likely not to say
they would be more likely
Most likely to say they would be
more likely
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 354
35-44 years old 2.45*Owns 1 to 20 acres 2.32*Profession: Accounting/finance 2.22*Is a Delaware native 2.17*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.09*Some college or trade school 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner -2.30*65 years or older -5.49***
Retired
-6.20*** Most likely not to say
they would be more likely
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 355
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they do as much as possible.)Profession: Industry
3.08**Not a Delaware native 2.51*
Resides in Region 5
2.31*
55-64 years old 1.97*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $60,000 and $79,999
-2.18*
Asian-American -2.25*Student -2.35*18-24 years old -2.83**
Is a Delaware native
-3.10**
Profession: Public service -3.19**25-34 years old -3.22**
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said cost.)Unemployed 2.24*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner
-2.24*
Neighborhood association member -2.45*
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said time/work too much/etc.)
Lived in Delaware 21-25 years
2.50*
Most likely to say they do as much as
possible
Most likely to say cost
Most likely not to say
cost
Most likely to say time/ work too
much
Most likely not to say they do as
much as possible
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 356
Other race identified 2.46*18-24 years old 2.25*Resides in small city or town 2.21*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
65 years or older
-2.27*
Income less than $20,000 -2.35*Lived in Delaware over 25 years -2.80**Not a landowner -2.90**
Most likely not to say
time/work too much
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 357
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said too much trouble/too lazy.)Profession: Military
2.46*College graduate 2.44*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a Delaware native
-2.06*
Not a neighborhood association member -2.22*High school graduate or equivalent -2.52*
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said don't like the way it looks/aesthetics.)
Owns 41 to 60 acres
5.19***
Owns over 100 acres 3.72***Resides in Region 4 1.98*Profession: Agriculture/farming 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns less than 1 acre
-2.42*
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said too much maintenance.)
College graduate
2.18*
Resides in Region 1 2.04*Owns less than 1 acre 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a Delaware native
-2.21*
Most likely to say too much
trouble
Most likely not to say too much trouble
Most likely to say aesthetics
Most likely not to say aesthetics
Most likely to say too much
maintenance
Most likely not to say too much maintenance
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 358
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 359
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they don't know where to get information.)
Homemaker
5.64***
Neighborhood association member 2.20*Graduate or professional degree 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a neighborhood association member -2.12*
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said not concerned.)
Owns over 100 acres
3.28**
Resides in large city or urban area 3.12**
Income less than $20,000
2.93**
18-24 years old 2.72**Male 2.65**Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.39*Hispanic 2.35*Student 2.29*Not a neighborhood association member 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 1 -2.07*Neighborhood association member -2.15*
Most likely to say they don’t know where to
get information
Most likely not to say they don’t know where
to get information
Most likely to say not
concerned
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 360
Resides in suburban area
-2.31*
New Castle County resident -2.35*Female -2.62**
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they don't know what to do.)
35-44 years old
3.20**
Profession: Public service 2.75**Income between $100,000 and $149,999 2.70**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.22*Neighborhood association member 1.96*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 5 years or less
-2.57*
Most likely not to say not
concerned
Most likely to say they don’t know
what to do
Most likely not to say they don’t
know what to do
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 361
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they are not aware of the problem.)
Income between $60,000 and $79,999
3.16**
25-34 years old 3.10**Owns less than 1 acre 3.06**
New Castle County resident
2.90**
Profession: Accounting/finance 2.79**Resides in suburban area 2.71**Neighborhood association member 2.62**Lived in Delaware over 25 years 2.52*Resides in Region 1 2.36*Female 2.24*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Resides in Region 4 -2.23*No high school diploma -2.31*Don't know if Is a Delaware native -2.32*
Male
-2.35*
Other type of profession -2.39*Sussex County resident -2.45*Not a landowner -2.62**
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they don't feel the responsibility to do anything.)Asian-American 4.43***65 years or older 2.78**Resides in Region 2 2.08*
Most likely to say they are not aware of the problem
Most likely not to say
they are not aware of the
problem
Most likely to say they don’t
feel responsibility
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 362
Owns over 100 acres2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 363
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they feel that individual actions don't have any impact.)
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years
3.55***
Homemaker 2.60**18-24 years old 2.12*Profession: Sales 2.01*New Castle County resident 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
-2.00*
Retired -2.12*65 years or older -2.17*
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said they feel that the state is not setting a good example.)
African-American
6.02***
Income less than $20,000 3.10**Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 2.43*Is a Delaware native 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
White
-3.21**
Q101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measures to improve water quality? (Those who said that the state doesn't hold corporations/developers/etc. to the same standard.)
Most likely to say individual actions don’t have impact
Most likely not to say individual
actions don’t have impact
Most likely to say the state is
not setting good example
Most likely not to say the state is not setting
good example
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 364
African-American
4.87***
Graduate or professional degree 3.15**Hispanic 2.89**Lived in Delaware 21-25 years 2.45*Income less than $20,000 2.43*Profession: Teaching/education 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
White
-3.24**
Most likely to say the state doesn’t hold
corps/developers to same standard
Most likely not to say the state doesn’t
hold corps/ developers to same
standard
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 365
GENERAL WATER QUALITY ISSUES—STATEMENT RATINGSFor the statement ratings, females were more likely than were males to rate several of the
statements at 5 or lower. No other strong demographic patterns emerged.
Q104. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): We have a right to clean water because water pollution threatens the health of ourselves, family, future generations, and the planet. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)Female
2.76**
Resides in small city or town 2.00*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
-2.34*
Income between $100,000 and $149,999 -2.64**Owns over 100 acres -2.74**
Profession: Consulting
-2.80**
Male -2.80**
Q105. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): We all have a responsibility—individuals, the government, business, and industry—to keep our waterways clean and to protect our drinking water, fish, and beaches. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Homemaker
-2.35*
No high school diploma -2.77**
Most likely to rate important
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 366
Q106. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): All people in Delaware benefit from the protection of the state's water quality. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)Female 2.44*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Male
-2.48*
Most likely to rate important
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 367
Q107. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): It is important to protect Delaware's water quality for future generations, like our children and grandchildren. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres
-6.05***
Q108. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): It is important to protect Delaware's water quality so that we don't become sick from contaminants in our drinking water. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $100,000 and $149,999
-2.13*
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.18*Owns over 100 acres -5.80***
Q109. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): Keeping Delaware's inland and coastal waterways in good health is important for tourism. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)Female 3.58***
Retired2.05*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres
-2.12*
Resides in Region 3 -2.14*Profession: Teaching/education -2.35*Asian-American -2.94**
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Most likely to rate important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 368
Graduate or professional degree
-3.40***
Male -3.44***Profession: Industry -4.27***
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 369
(Note that the statements in Questions 110, “A clean environment protects Delaware’s residents’
health,” and 111, “A clean environment is good for the economy,” had no statistically significant
demographic variables associated with the questions. This suggests that these messages resonate
universally and have a broad appeal.)
Q112. Rate the importance of this statement as a reason to take greater measures to protect water quality (1=most important; 10=least important): A clean and healthy environment can help to enhance property values. (Response analyzed: 1 through 5)Female
3.08**
Income between $40,000 and $59,9992.62**
White 2.01*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Owns over 100 acres -2.06*Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.29*Income between $100,000 and $149,999 -2.39*
Male
-3.13**
Asian-American -4.54***
Most likely to rate
unimportant
Most likely to rate important
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 370
DNREC POLICY MAKING AND PUBLIC INPUT
Q116. If you knew that DNREC is seeking public input to help shape state policy on water quality, would you be interested in attending these meetings? (Response analyzed: very or somewhat interested)
Graduate or professional degree
5.31***
Profession: Public service 4.13***
35-44 years old
4.12***
45-54 years old 3.88***Income between $60,000 and $79,999 3.73***Male 3.01**Income between $80,000 and $99,999 2.97**Resides in small city or town 2.61**African-American 2.55*55-64 years old 2.53*Profession: Consulting 2.33*Other type of profession 2.16*Profession: Teaching/education 2.13*Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.13*Lived in Delaware 16-20 years 2.10*Not a neighborhood association member 2.05*Owns 41 to 60 acres 2.05*Lived in Delaware 11-15 years 2.05*
Most likely to say they are interested
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 371
Hispanic 1.98*STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Profession: Sales -2.14*Lived in Delaware over 25 years -2.17*No high school diploma -2.66**
Female
-3.16**
Retired -6.48***65 years or older -7.59***
Most likely not to say they are
interested
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 372
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said newspapers.)
Profession: Consulting
2.91**
Resides in suburban area 2.66**
Profession: Industry
2.62**
Neighborhood association member 2.13*Some college or trade school 2.08*65 years or older 2.00*Male 1.98*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Income between $80,000 and $99,999-2.00*
Other type of profession
-2.26*
25-34 years old -2.63**
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said television.)
Retired
2.37*
Resides in Region 3 2.20*African-American 2.11*Kent County resident 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Lived in Delaware 6-10 years -1.99*
Most likely to say
newspapers
Most likely not to say
newspapers
Most likely to say television
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 373
Income between $80,000 and $99,999 -2.15*Resides in Region 2 -2.30*
Owns 1 to 20 acres
-2.33*
New Castle County resident -2.65**Other type of profession -2.74**
Most likely not to say television
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 374
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said radio.)Disabled
3.26**
Lived in Delaware over 25 years
2.84**
Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.08*Owns over 100 acres 2.08*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Other type of profession -2.08*
Owns 1 to 20 acres
-2.49*
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said magazines.)
Disabled
4.17***
55-64 years old 2.78**Income between $20,000 and $39,999 2.47*Is a Delaware native 2.28*Retired 2.11*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a Delaware native
-2.40*
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said brochures mailed to their house.)
Female
4.16***
Profession: Teaching/education 2.58**
Most likely to say radio
Most likely not to say
radio
Most likely to say
magazines
Most likely not to say magazines
Most likely to say mailed brochures
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 375
Income between $60,000 and $79,999 2.10*Homemaker 1.99*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Other race identified
-2.01*
Profession: Consulting -2.40*Male -4.28***
Most likely not to say
mailed brochures
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 376
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said demonstrations.)
Disabled
7.36***
Profession: Construction 2.80**
Income between $40,000 and $59,999
2.55*
Profession: Sales 2.46*Resides in Region 4 1.97*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said meetings.)
Disabled
6.08***
Profession: Teaching/education 2.80**
Income between $80,000 and $99,999
2.27*
Other race identified 2.23*Profession: Agriculture/farming 2.11*Resides in suburban area 2.02*Profession: Construction 2.01*Neighborhood association member 1.96
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Not a landowner -2.01*
Resides in small city or town
-2.22*
Most likely to say demonstrations
Most likely to say meetings
Most likely not to say meetings
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 377
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said the Internet.)
25-34 years old
4.08***
Income between $40,000 and $59,999 3.98***
Graduate or professional degree
3.60***
Male 3.52***Lived in Delaware 11-15 years 3.18**35-44 years old 3.07**Other type of profession 3.01**Unemployed 2.80**Profession: Construction 2.40*Not a Delaware native 2.00*White 1.96
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Homemaker -2.15*Owns 1 to 20 acres -2.17*Resides in rural area -2.23*No high school diploma -2.61**55-64 years old -2.69**Income between $20,000 and $39,999 -2.98**Lived in Delaware over 25 years -3.11**
Female
-3.45***
Most likely to say the Internet
Most likely not to say the
Internet
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 378
65 years or older -5.04***Retired -5.50***
Q118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information about water quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (Those who said schools.)
Resides in Region 4
3.04**
Profession: Teaching/education 2.79**
Graduate or professional degree
2.79**
Profession: Consulting 2.48*Sussex County resident 2.21*Resides in rural area 2.03*
STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT VARIABLES OMITTED
Most likely to say schools
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 379
SUMMARY OF MAJOR TELEPHONE SURVEY FINDINGS
ENVIROMMENTAL HEALTH AND WATER QUALITY IN GENERAL
Delaware residents were split regarding the health of Delaware’s environment.
45% overall said Delaware’s environment is somewhat or very healthy, but 47%
overall said it is somewhat or very unhealthy.
Delaware residents expressed great concern about water quality.
More respondents (46% overall) named water quality as one of the most important
natural resource or environmental issue than named any other issue.
81% of Delaware residents overall said that they were somewhat or very concerned
about water quality.
The top reasons that respondents were concerned about water quality were the
adverse impacts to drinking water; pollution in the water making it taste and look
bad; and the adverse impacts to their own health and the public’s health.
Industry/chemical companies were considered to be one of the top polluters of
water, and homeowners were not considered as having a large impact on water
pollution.
56% of respondents said that industry/chemical companies are the largest polluters of
water in Delaware, while homeowners/individuals were named as the largest
polluters of water in Delaware by only 10% of respondents.
Only 6% of respondents said that homeowners/individuals have a major impact on
water pollution, and 47% said that homeowners/individuals have a minor impact,
while 44% said they have no impact.
When asked who should do more to help improve water quality, 51% said everyone,
but the next largest percentages were of those who said government (29%) or who
said business/industry (21%). Residents were named by only 15% of respondents.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 380
The location of the respondent’s residence had an important influence on opinions
on environmental health and the issues that were deemed important, and gender
and profession had a minor influence.
Respondents from the less urbanized areas (Regions 3, 4, or 5, Kent or Sussex
Counties) were more likely than were respondents from urban areas (Regions 1 and
2, New Castle County) to say the environment is healthy. Those from the more
urbanized areas were more likely to say that they were concerned about water
quality.
Respondents from Sussex County/Regions 4 and 5 were more likely than were others
to name farmers/agriculture as one of the largest sources of water pollution;
respondents from New Castle County/Regions 1 and 2 were more likely than were
others to name industry/chemical companies as one of the largest sources of water
pollution.
Males were more likely than were females to say that the overall environment in
Delaware is healthy.
Those in industry were more likely than were those in other professions to say that
the overall environment is healthy. Those in the teaching/education profession had a
high propensity to say that water quality and quantity and air quality are important
issues.
WATER QUALITY AND SEWER/SEPTIC SYSTEMS
The vast majority of respondents’ residences are on a sewer system.
71% of respondents’ residences are on a sewer system, and 23% of respondents’
residences have a septic system.
The housing stock (those houses with a septic system) was relatively young, which in
turn means that most septic systems are relatively young.
75% of respondents’ residences (those residences that have a septic system) are 30
years old or less, and 76% of respondents said their septic system is 20 years old or
less.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 381
Most people whose residence has a septic system had recently had the system
pumped out, and they did so for general maintenance, not out of concern for the
environment, despite the fact that most respondents agreed that septic systems can
adversely impact water quality. Most respondents were reluctant to spend money to
upgrade their septic systems to improve water quality.
71% of respondents whose residence has a septic system had pumped out their septic
system within the prior 2 years to the survey.
Of those who had pumped out their septic system, 61% had done so for general
maintenance, and an additional 22% had done so because the system had backed up.
Only 2% had pumped out their septic system out of concern for the environment.
63% of respondents moderately or strongly agreed that standard septic systems can
impact water quality.
There was an inverse relationship between the cost of septic system upgrades and the
percentage who would be willing to spend that amount to upgrade their septic
system, and less than a majority of respondents (37%) were willing to spend even the
lowest amount ($4,000) that was discussed in the survey. The percentage willing to
spend the given amount went down to 20% when the cost went up to $10,000.
Less than a majority of respondents (30%) said that they would be likely to upgrade
their septic system knowing that developers were required to install state-of-the-art
septic systems in new developments.
Those respondents whose residences are on septic systems were fairly evenly split
between those who would prefer to be on a sewer system and those who would not
prefer to be on a sewer system.
47% of respondents said they would prefer to be on a sewer system, and 42% said
they would not prefer to be on a sewer system.
The location of the respondent’s residence had an important influence on responses
regarding water quality and septic systems.
Obviously, those in rural areas are more likely to have a septic system than are those
from urban areas.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 382
Those who agreed that septic systems can negatively impact water quality were more
likely to be from a suburban area than from any other type of area.
WATER QUALITY AND LAWN CARE
A large percentage of the sample indicated that they have a lawn at their place of
residence.
85% of respondents said they have a lawn at their place of residence, and of those
who have a lawn, 58% said having a green, well-kept lawn is somewhat or very
important to them.
Respondents expressed concern about the effect that lawn care practices have on
water quality.
75% of respondents who have a lawn said that lawn care practices are a major or
minor environmental concern.
80% of respondents who have a lawn said they are somewhat or very concerned
about the impacts of lawn care practices on water quality.
69% of respondents who have a lawn said that they were aware before the survey that
home lawn care practices can impact water quality in Delaware.
A large majority of respondents maintain their lawn, and most do not hire a lawn
care company to maintain their lawn.
86% of respondents who have a lawn said they maintain their lawn, and 27% have
hired a lawn care company in the past to maintain their lawn.
Nutrient runoff was recognized as an important cause of water pollution, and
farming/agriculture was most commonly named as the largest source of nutrient
runoff, and homeowners’ contribution to nutrient runoff was considered important
by a very low percentage.
73% of respondents said nutrient runoff is a major or minor cause of water pollution.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 383
42% of respondents named farming/agriculture as one of the largest sources of
nutrient runoff, and only 8% named homeowners as one of the largest sources of
nutrient runoff.
Less than half of those who have a lawn and maintain it apply fertilizer to it, and
most of those who apply fertilizer do so once or twice a year.
42% of those who have a lawn and maintain it said they apply fertilizer to it.
74% of those who apply fertilizer to their lawn said they do so once or twice a year.
The spring is the most common season in which they apply fertilizer.
Of those respondents who have a lawn and maintain it, just over half have obtained
advice or information on how to take care of their lawn, typically from a lawn care
company or retail store, but less than half who obtained advice or information
changed their lawn care practices based on that advice or information.
51% of those who have a lawn and maintain it have obtained advice or information
on how to take care of their lawn.
47% of those who obtained advice or information obtained it from a lawn care
company, and 12% obtained it from a retail store.
58% of those who obtained advice or information did not change their lawn care
practices based on the advice or information.
In general, there was broad support for lawn care practices that help mitigate
adverse impacts to water quality.
Strong majorities practiced four of the seven lawn care practices that were listed in
the survey: mow the lawn at a higher height (78% overall did this), reduce the
amount of fertilizer they use (72% overall), leave grass clippings on the lawn (72%
overall), and reduce the amount of turf by planting shrubs and trees (60% overall).
Additionally, 50% plant native species that require less water and fertilizer.
On the other hand, 56% of respondents were not willing to spend more on a smaller
lot knowing that their neighborhood would then have a large area of open space.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 384
There was not one demographic factor that stood out consistently as having a great
influence on responses regarding water quality and lawn care. The location of the
respondent’s residence was not an important factor.
WATER QUALITY AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Respondents expressed concern about the effect that storm water runoff has on
water quality.
70% of respondents said that storm water runoff is a major or minor environmental
concern.
66% of respondents said that they were aware before the survey that home lawn care
practices can impact water quality in Delaware.
The most common types of storm water structures that respondents said were on
their property or in their neighborhood are drains/gutters, followed by drainage
ditches. Knowledge of the party responsible for maintaining the structures was not
great.
25% of respondents said drains/gutters are on their property or in their neighborhood,
and 19% said drainage ditches are on their property or in their neighborhood. The
most popular answer, though, was that there are no storm water structures on their
property or in their neighborhood.
33% did not know who is responsible for maintaining the storm water structures.
Most respondents recognized that runoff from pet waste is an environmental
concern.
63% of respondents said that runoff from pet waste is an environmental concern,
although most of those respondents considered it to be a minor concern.
Most respondents do not have a stream or pond on their property. Nonetheless, of
those who do, most keep an herbaceous border or mowed grass along it.
Furthermore, nearly half of those who have a stream or pond and do not keep an
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 385
herbaceous border or mowed grass along it are willing to plant an herbaceous
border.
11% of respondents have a stream or pond on their property.
Of those who have a stream or pond, 38% have an herbaceous border along it, and
35% have mowed grass along it.
49% of those who have a stream or pond on their property but do not currently have
an herbaceous border along it would consider planting a border to protect their
property from erosion and to protect water quality.
47% of those who have a stream or pond on their property but do not currently have
an herbaceous border along it would consider planting a border if they were provided
cost-sharing and technical support.
49% of those who have a stream or pond on their property but do not currently have
an herbaceous border along it would consider planting a border if they were provided
an aesthetically pleasing design that provided a partial view of the stream or pond.
Strong majorities of respondents said they do several practices that help mitigate
the adverse impacts that runoff has on water quality.
70% of respondents limit the use of salt on paved areas in winter, 63% of respondents
are more diligent in keeping their street-side gutter clear, 60% of respondents moved
their drain spouts so the runoff flows onto the lawn instead of the driveway, 59% of
respondents clean up and properly dispose of pet waste, and 56% of respondents
collect motor oil and dispose of it properly.
The demographic factors that have an important influence on responses regarding
water quality and storm water management are ethnicity and residence location.
Of the twelve activities listed in the survey that could help improve water quality,
ethnicity factored in nine of them, with those identifying themselves as white more
likely than were other ethnic groups to say that they would be likely to practice the
particular activity.
Of the twelve activities listed in the survey that could help improve water quality,
residence location factored in nine of them.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 386
BEHAVIOR CHANGES AND WATER QUALITY
Strong majorities of respondents said they would be more likely to change their
behavior to help improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality leads to
the conditions listed in the survey.
79% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to unsafe drinking
water.
77% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to increased fish kills.
77% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to health hazards
from polluted water while wading or swimming.
76% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to genetic mutations
and birth defects.
76% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to degraded aquatic
habitat.
73% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to the closing of
swimming areas.
73% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to the closing of
fishing areas.
72% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to a less diverse
ecosystem.
70% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that poor water quality led to lower property
values.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 387
Strong majorities of respondents said they would be more likely to change their
behavior to help improve water quality under each of the conditions listed in the
survey.
90% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they knew that doing so would help protect future
generations.
78% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they received a tax break for doing so.
70% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they received financial assistance for implementing
conservation practices.
63% of respondents said they would be likely to change their behavior to help
improve water quality if they had to pay a fee on their property tax bill but they knew
it was being used for conservation purposes.
A majority of respondents said that they already do as much as possible to help
improve water quality.
52% of respondents said that they do not take greater measures to improve water
quality because they already do as much as possible.
Gender was a very important factor regarding potential behavior changes, and
residence location was not an important factor.
Gender was an important factor in the responses to eight of the eleven questions
about potential behavior changes to address the problems listed (e.g., increased fish
kills, unsafe drinking water), with females in all eight cases more likely than were
males to say that they would change their behavior.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 388
GENERAL WATER QUALITY ISSUES—STATEMENT RATINGS
Respondents rated each of nine statements in the survey as important reasons for
taking greater measures to protect water quality.
The statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most important and
10 being the least important. While all statements had very low means for
respondents overall (the highest was only 2.61 overall), the statements with the
lowest means (i.e., the most important) were “It is important to protect Delaware’s
water quality so that we don’t become sick from contaminants” (mean of 1.35
overall), “It is important to protect Delaware’s water quality for future generations”
(mean of 1.39 overall), and “A clean environment protects Delaware’s residents’
health” (mean of 1.48 overall).
DNREC POLICY MAKING AND PUBLIC INPUT
Most people expressed interest in participating in policy making regarding water
quality, and they said they would prefer to receive brochures through the mail to
learn about what they can do.
58% of respondents said they would be interested in attending meetings to provide
public input to the making of state policy on water quality.
69% of respondents said they would prefer receiving information about water quality
through brochures mailed to their home.
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 389
TELEPHONE SURVEY INSTRUMENTC:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\DE_ENV~1\DATAPULL\UNZIPS\VERSION2\DEENV.TXT10/11/2002
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes SurveyCopyright Responsive Management 2002
1. PRESS RETURN WHEN INTERVIEW BEGINSSTART
TIMER STARTS AFTER THIS SCREEN
2. Time when interview beganTIME1 1:1-5
|__|__|__|__|__|
3. Hello, my name is ___________, and I'm calling on behalf ofDelaware Department of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalControl to ask you some questions about natural resources andthe environment in Delaware. I am not selling anything and thesurvey will just take a few minutes. To be most accurate, mayI speak with someone in the household who is at least 18 yearsof age?
CONPER 1:6-7(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Correct person, good time to do survey (GO TO QUESTION 5)|__| 2. Bad time/schedule recall (CB - do not save) (GO TO QUESTION 4)|__| 3. AM, NA, BZ (do not save)|__| 4. TM|__| 5. RF|__| 6. NE|__| 7. DS|__| 8. BG|__| 9. DL|__| 10. Bad Number (missing digit, begins with zero, etc.)
SKIP TO QUESTION 140===========================================================
4. When would be a more convenient time to call you back?Thank you for your time.
WHENCALLENTER DAY AND TIME ON CALLSHEET (CB)
SKIP TO QUESTION 140===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 390
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 2
5. Overall, how healthy do you think the environment is inDelaware? Would you say it is healthy or unhealthy?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
ENVHLTH 1:8(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 5)|__| 2. Very healthy|__| 3. Somewhat healthy|__| 4. Neither healthy nor unhealthy|__| 5. Somewhat unhealthy|__| 6. Very unhealthy|__| 7. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 7===========================================================
6. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC1PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 391
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 3
7. What do you think are the most important natural resourceor environmental issues facing Delaware today?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
ISSUES 1:9-25(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Water quality|__| 2. Water quantity|__| 3. Air quality|__| 4. Overdevelopment/Loss of green space|__| 5. Solid waste disposal|__| 6. Littering|__| 7. Habitat loss/fragmentation|__| 8. Population growth|__| 9. Wetland drainage|__| 10. Cancer rates|__| 11. Endangered species protection|__| 12. Septic tanks|__| 13. Pollution unspecified|__| 14. Recycling|__| 15. There are no problems|__| 16. Don't know|__| 17. Other
IF (#7 = 0) GO TO #6IF (#7 @ 17) GO TO #8
SKIP TO QUESTION 9===========================================================
8. ENTER OTHER ISSUE FACING DELAWAREISSUESST 2:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 392
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 4
9. Now I'd like to talk to you about water quality in Delaware. Would you say your are very concerned, somewhat concerned ornot at all concerned with water quality in Delaware?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
H2OCNCRN 3:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 9)|__| 2. Very concerned (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 3. Somewhat concerned (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 4. Not at all concerned|__| 5. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 17===========================================================
10. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
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11. What are your main reasons for being concerned about waterquality? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHYH2O 3:2-10(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Public health/safety|__| 2. Your own health/safety|__| 3. Recreation-closed swimming areas|__| 4. Fish and wildlife resources|__| 5. Maintain natural beauty/for the environment|__| 6. Spiritual/religious reasons|__| 7. Drinking water|__| 8. Don't know|__| 9. Other
IF (#11 = 0) GO TO #10IF (#11 @ 9) GO TO #12IF (#11 @ 1) GO TO #14IF (#11 @ 2) GO TO #14
SKIP TO QUESTION 17===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 393
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 5
12. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR CONCERN WITH WATER QUALITY.WHYH2OST 4:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
IF (#11 @ 1) GO TO #14IF (#11 @ 2) GO TO #14
SKIP TO QUESTION 17===========================================================
13. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC3PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
14. What specifically about health/safety are you concerned about?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
SAFH2O 5:1-7(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Cancer|__| 2. Getting sick|__| 3. Children getting sick|__| 4. Future generations getting sick|__| 5. Birth defects|__| 6. Don't know|__| 7. Other
IF (#14 = 0) GO TO #13IF (#14 @ 7) GO TO #15
SKIP TO QUESTION 17===========================================================
15. ENTER OTHER CONCERN ABOUT HEALTH/SAFETY.SAFH2OST 6:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
SKIP TO QUESTION 17===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 394
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 6
16. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC4PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
17. Who do you think are the largest polluters of waterin Delaware? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
MPACT 7:1-9(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Homeowners/individuals|__| 2. Farmers/agriculture|__| 3. Industry/Chemical companies|__| 4. Developers|__| 5. Development in general|__| 6. Sewage treatment plants|__| 7. Golf courses|__| 8. Don't know|__| 9. Other
IF (#17 = 0) GO TO #16IF (#17 @ 9) GO TO #18
SKIP TO QUESTION 19===========================================================
18. ENTER OTHER POLLUTER OF WATER IN DELAWARE.MPACTST 8:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
19. How great of a negative impact do you feel your own dailyactivities have on water quality in Delaware? Would yousay they are a major impact, minor impact, or not animpact on water quality in Delaware?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
YOURMPCT 9:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 19)|__| 2. Major impact|__| 3. Minor impact|__| 4. Not an impact|__| 5. Don't know
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 395
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 7
20. Would you say that nutrient runoff (nitrogen and phosphorous)is a major cause, a minor cause or not a cause of water pollutionin Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
NANDPH 9:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 20)|__| 2. Major cause|__| 3. Minor cause|__| 4. Not a cause|__| 5. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 22===========================================================
21. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC6PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
22. Who do you think contributes the most to nutrient runoffpollution in Delaware? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
RUNOFF 9:3-11(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Homeowners/individuals|__| 2. Farmers/agriculture|__| 3. Industry/Chemical companies|__| 4. Developers|__| 5. Development in general|__| 6. Sewage treatment plants|__| 7. Golf courses|__| 8. Don't know|__| 9. Other
IF (#22 = 0) GO TO #21IF (#22 @ 9) GO TO #23
SKIP TO QUESTION 24===========================================================
23. ENTER OTHER CONTRIBUTOR TO NUTRIENT RUNOFF.RUNOFFST 10:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 396
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 8
24. Are you a homeowner?OWNHOME 11:1
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 24)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
25. Do you have your own lawn at your place of residence?HAVELAWN 11:2
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 25)|__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 26)|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 27===========================================================
26. Do you maintain a lawn at your place of residence?MNTNLAWN 11:3
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 26)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 397
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 9
27. Do you have a septic system, a sewer system, or do you havesome other form of waste disposal?
Definitions:
A SEPTIC SYSTEM is comprised of a holding tank, a distributionbox, and a drainage field. Natural bacteria action decomposes human waste in the holding tank. The resulting liquid endproducts flow into the distribution box and then flow outinto the drainage field, which is in the soil.
A SEWER SYSTEM is a system of pipes that carries wastewater fromyour sink or toilet to a wastewater treatment plant where it istreated and released into the environment.
SEPTIC 11:4(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 27)|__| 2. Septic (GO TO QUESTION 33)|__| 3. Sewer|__| 4. Other (GO TO QUESTION 28)|__| 5. Don't know
IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 = 2) GO TO #48IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 > 2) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
28. Do you have a cesspool, seepage pit, or a holding tank?CESSSEEP 11:5
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 28)|__| 2. Cesspool (GO TO QUESTION 29)|__| 3. Seepage Pit (GO TO QUESTION 29)|__| 4. Holding tank (GO TO QUESTION 29)|__| 5. None of these|__| 6. Don't know
IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 = 2) GO TO #48IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 > 2) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 398
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 10
29. When was the last time you had your #28 pumped?(ENTER 88 FOR NEVER; ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
PUMPCESS 11:6-7
|__|__| year(s) ago
IF (#29 < 88) GO TO #31IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 = 2) GO TO #48IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 > 2) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
30. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC99PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
31. What are your main reasons you pump your #28?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHYCSS 11:8-13(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. It's the law|__| 2. General maintenance/preventative measures|__| 3. It backed up|__| 4. Environmental concern|__| 5. Don't know|__| 6. Other
IF (#31 = 0) GO TO #30IF (#31 @ 6) GO TO #32IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 = 2) GO TO #48IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 > 2) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
32. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR PUMPING #28.WHYCSSST 12:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 = 2) GO TO #48IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 > 2) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 399
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 11
33. How old is your place of residence (i.e. your house)?(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
HOMEAGE 13:1-3|__|__|__| years
34. How old is your septic system? (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)SPTCAGE 13:4-6
|__|__|__| years
35. When was the last time you had your septic system pumped?(ENTER 88 FOR NEVER; ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
PUMPIT 13:7-8|__|__| year(s) ago
IF (#35 = 88) GO TO #39
SKIP TO QUESTION 37===========================================================
36. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC9PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
37. What are the main reasons you pump your septic tank?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHYPMP 13:9(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. It's the law|__| 2. General maintenance/preventative measures|__| 3. It backed up|__| 4. Environmental concern|__| 5. Don't know|__| 6. Other
IF (#37 = 0) GO TO #36IF (#37 @ 6) GO TO #38
SKIP TO QUESTION 39===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 400
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 12
38. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR PUMPING SEPTIC TANK.WHYPMPST 14:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
39. Do you agree or disagree that standard septicsystems can impact water quality in Delaware?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
SPTCMPCT 15:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 39)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don't know
40. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned,not at all concerned about the effects of septic systems onwater quality in Delaware?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
SPTCEFCT 15:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 40)|__| 2. Very concerned|__| 3. Somewhat concerned|__| 4. Not at all concerned|__| 5. Don't know
41. RANDOMIZATION FOR SEPTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE COSTSRTRORAND 15:3
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. $4,000 (GO TO QUESTION 42)|__| 2. $6,000 (GO TO QUESTION 43)|__| 3. $8,000 (GO TO QUESTION 44)|__| 4. $10,000 (GO TO QUESTION 45)
SKIP TO QUESTION 46===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 401
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 13
42. How likely would you be to spend $4,000 on upgrading yourseptic system if you knew that it could help improve waterquality in Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
RETRO4 15:4(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 42)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 46===========================================================
43. How likely would you be to spend $6,000 on upgrading yourseptic system if you knew that it could help improve waterquality in Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
RETRO6 15:5(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 43)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 46===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 402
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 14
44. How likely would you be to spend $8,000 on upgrading yourseptic system if you knew that it could help improve waterquality in Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
RETRO8 15:6(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 44)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 46===========================================================
45. How likely would you be to spend $10,000 on upgrading yourseptic system if you knew that it could help improve waterquality in Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
RETRO10 15:7(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 45)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
46. How likely would you be to upgrade your septic system if youknew that developers were also required to install state-of-the-art septic systems in new developments?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
UPGRADE 15:8(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 46)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 403
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 15
47. Would you prefer to be on a sewer system?PREFER 15:9
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 47)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 = 2) GO TO #48IF (#25 = 2 AND #26 > 2) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
48. Would you say it is important or unimportant to you to have agreen, well-kept lawn? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
GREENLWN 15:10
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 48)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don't know
49. Do you apply fertilizer to your lawn? USEFERT 15:11
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 47)|__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 50)|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 53===========================================================
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 404
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 16
50. How many times per year do you apply fertilizer to your lawn?HOWOFTEN 15:12-14
|__|__|__| times per year
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 365
SKIP TO QUESTION 52===========================================================
51. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
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52. In what seasons do you apply fertilizer to your lawn?(READ LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHNFRT 15:15-19(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Spring|__| 2. Summer|__| 3. Fall|__| 4. Winter|__| 5. Don't know
IF (#52 = 0) GO TO #51
53. Have you ever gotten advice or informationon how to take care of your lawn?
LWNADVIC 15:20(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 53)|__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 55)|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 58===========================================================
54. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
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Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 405
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 17
55. Where did you get your information or advice on lawn care?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
LWNINF 15:21-34(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Neighbor|__| 2. Friend|__| 3. Family member|__| 4. From a retail store such as Lowe's or Home Depot|__| 5. Lawn care company|__| 6. Lawn care magazine/publication|__| 7. Other magazine|__| 8. Newspaper|__| 9. Television|__| 10. Radio|__| 11. DNREC|__| 12. The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Service|__| 13. Don't know|__| 14. Other
IF (#55 = 0) GO TO #54IF (#55 @ 14) GO TO #56
SKIP TO QUESTION 57===========================================================
56. ENTER OTHER SOURCE OF ADVICE OR INFO ON LAWN CARELWNINFST 16:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
57. Did the information or advice cause you tochange the way you care for your lawn?
CHNGLAWN 17:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 57)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 406
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 18
58. Have you ever hired a professional lawn care company?LAWNPRO 17:2
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 58)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
59. Would you say that home-lawn care practices are a majorenvironmental concern, a minor environmental concern ornot an environmental concern in Delaware?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
LWNCNCRN 17:3(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 59)|__| 2. Major concern|__| 3. Minor concern|__| 4. Not a concern|__| 5. Don't know
60. Before this survey, were you aware that home-lawn carepractices can impact water quality in Delaware?
HOMEMPCT 17:4(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 60)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 407
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 19
61. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned,or not at all concerned about the impacts of home-lawn care onwater quality in Delaware?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
HOMCNCRN 17:5(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 61)|__| 2. Very concerned|__| 3. Somewhat concerned|__| 4. Not at all concerned|__| 5. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 63===========================================================
62. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC14PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
63. There are many things that residents can do to help improvewater quality. I'm going to read you a list of some lawn carepractices that residents can do, and I would like to know ifyou or your household currently do each one.(READ LIST; CHECK IF YES)
HLPH2O 17:6-14(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Leave grass clippings on your lawn?|__| 2. Mow your lawn at a higher height? |__| 3. Reduce the amount of fertilizer you use? |__| 4. Reduce amount of turf by planting more vegetation (shrubs/trees)?|__| 5. Planting native species that require less water and fertilizer?|__| 6. Use organic lawn care products? |__| 7. Test your soil for nitrates/phosphorous on a regular basis?|__| 8. DNR: None of these|__| 9. DNR: Don't know
IF (#63 = 0) GO TO #62IF (#63 @ 8) GO TO #65
SKIP TO QUESTION 67===========================================================
64. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC15PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 408
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 20
65. What are the main reasons you do not participate in anyof these activities? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
NOHELP 17:15-25(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Cost|__| 2. Not concerned|__| 3. Don't think my behavior is wrong|__| 4. Not aware that my behavior is a problem|__| 5. Time/Work too much/etc.|__| 6. Too much trouble/Too lazy|__| 7. Don't like the way it makes your lawn look|__| 8. Corporations/developers/etc. are not held to same standard|__| 9. Don't have expertise/Don't know how|__| 10. Don't know|__| 11. Other
IF (#65 = 0) GO TO #64IF (#65 @ 11) GO TO #66
SKIP TO QUESTION 67===========================================================
66. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THESE ACTIVITIES.NOHELPST 18:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
67. Would you be willing to spend more money on a smaller propertylot if you knew that the neighborhood would have a large areaof open space?
OPENSPAC 19:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 67)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
68. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC16PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 409
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 21
69. Does your property or neighborhood contain storm water structures? If yes: What types? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
DEFINITIONS:
STORM WATER: RUNOFF FROM THE SURFACE OF THE LANDTHAT OCCURS DURING AND AFTER RAINFALL, SNOW, OR ICE MELT.
STORM WATER STRUCTURE: A MAN-MADE DEVICE DESIGNEDTO CONTAIN AND CONTROL STORM WATER RUNOFF FROM THE LAND.
STRCTR 19:2-11(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. No, there are no storm water structures|__| 2. Storm water ponds|__| 3. Swales|__| 4. Rain gardens|__| 5. Drainage ditches|__| 6. Storm drains/gutters|__| 7. Barriers/Walls|__| 8. Constructed wetlands|__| 9. Don't know|__| 10. Other
IF (#69 = 0) GO TO #68IF (#69 @ 1) GO TO #74IF (#69 @ 10) GO TO #70
SKIP TO QUESTION 72===========================================================
70. ENTER OTHER STORM WATER STRUCTURES.STRCTRST 20:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
71. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
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Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 410
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 22
72. Who maintains these storm water structures?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
MAINTN 21:1-7(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Individual homeowners|__| 2. Neighborhood|__| 3. City|__| 4. State|__| 5. Developers|__| 6. Don't know|__| 7. Other
IF (#72 = 0) GO TO #71IF (#72 @ 7) GO TO #73
SKIP TO QUESTION 74===========================================================
73. ENTER OTHER PERSON(S) THAT MAINTAIN STORM WATER STRUCTURES.MAINTNST 22:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
74. Would you say that storm water runoff is a major environmentalconcern, a minor environmental concern or not an environmentalconcern in Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
ROCNCRN 23:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 74)|__| 2. Major concern|__| 3. Minor concern|__| 4. Not a concern|__| 5. Don't know
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75. Before this survey, would you say that you were aware thatstorm water runoff can impact water quality in Delaware?
ROAWARE 23:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 75)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 77===========================================================
76. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC18PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
77. Where do you think that storm water runoff goes?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHRGO 23:3-7(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Into streams and other waterways|__| 2. Into the soil|__| 3. Into a treatment plant|__| 4. Don't know|__| 5. Other
IF (#77 = 0) GO TO #76IF (#77 @ 5) GO TO #78
SKIP TO QUESTION 79===========================================================
78. ENTER OTHER PLACE THAT STORM WATER RUNOFF GOES.WHRGOST 24:1-120
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79. Do you have a stream or a pond on your property? HAVEH2O 25:1
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 79)|__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 80)|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 87===========================================================
80. Do you maintain mowed grass or an herbaceous border along thebank? (READ LIST AS NECESSARY; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
DEFINITION: HERBACEOUS BORDER: SHRUBS, TREES, ORNAMENTALS, AND/OR TALL GRASSES ARE MAINTAINED ALONG THE BANK.
BORDER 25:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Mowed grass (GO TO QUESTION 81)|__| 2. Herbaceous border|__| 3. Neither (GO TO QUESTION 81)|__| 4. Don't know (GO TO QUESTION 81)|__| 5. Both
SKIP TO QUESTION 87===========================================================
81. Would you consider planting a herbaceous border if youknew that it will protect your property from erosionand protect overall stream and water quality?
CONSIDER 25:3(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 81)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No (GO TO QUESTION 83)|__| 4. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 85===========================================================
82. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC19PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
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2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 25
83. What are the main reasons you would not consider plantinga herbaceous border along the water on your property?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
NOHERB 25:4-16(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Cost|__| 2. Not concerned|__| 3. Don't think my behavior is wrong|__| 4. Not aware that my behavior is a problem|__| 5. Don't like the way it looks|__| 6. Don't want to block view|__| 7. Increase undesirable animals/insects (snakes, mosquitoes, etc.)|__| 8. Time/Work too much/etc.|__| 9. Too much trouble/Too lazy|__| 10. Corporations/developers/etc. are not held to same standard|__| 11. Don't have expertise|__| 12. Don't know|__| 13. Other
IF (#83 = 0) GO TO #82IF (#83 @ 13) GO TO #84
SKIP TO QUESTION 85===========================================================
84. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR NOT PLANTING A BORDER.NOHERBST 26:1-120
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2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 26
85. If you received "cost sharing" and technical support, would yoube likely or unlikely to plant a stream or pond bank border?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
DEFINITION: COST SHARING: A RESIDENT WOULD RECEIVE SIGNIFICANTMONETARY CONTRIBUTION TOWARD THE MATERIALS AND LABOR FORPLANTING.
COSTSHAR 27:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 85)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
86. What if you were provided a design that is pleasing to the
eye and maintains a partial view of the stream or pond?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
DESIGN 27:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 86)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Neither likely nor unlikely|__| 5. Somewhat unlikely|__| 6. Very unlikely|__| 7. Don't know
87. Would you say that runoff from pet waste is a major environmentalconcern, a minor environmental concern or not an environmentalconcern in Delaware? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
PETWASTE 27:3(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 87)|__| 2. Major concern|__| 3. Minor concern|__| 4. Not a concern|__| 5. Don't know
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2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 27
88. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce theimpact of storm water runoff from their property. I am going toread you a list of items, and would like for you to tell me if you do any of these things.
(Rain garden: natural area planted with specific types of vegetation to allow rain & snowmelt to seep naturally into the ground.)
(Swale: is a depression in the ground with sloping sides that catches rainwater. The ponding helps slow the flow rate of water and allows pollutants to settle out of the water.)
(Pervious surfaces include mulch, pervious concrete, turf block,or clean stone.)
(Impervious surfaces include structures such as driveways,sidewalks or patios.)
REDUCEROPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
SKIP TO QUESTION 90===========================================================
89. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC20PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
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2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 28
90. Do you...? (READ LIST; CHECK IF YES)REDUCE 27:4-17
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Clean up and properly dispose of your pet's waste? |__| 2. Wash your car on your lawn? |__| 3. Use biodegradable detergents when washing your car?|__| 4. Collect motor oil and dispose of it properly?|__| 5. Plant rain gardens on your property? |__| 6. Construct swales on your property? |__| 7. Use rain barrels to collect storm water? |__| 8. Move drain spouts so runoff flows onto lawn instead of driveway? |__| 9. Be more diligent in keeping your street-side gutter clear? |__| 10. Plan your landscape with environmental health in mind? |__| 11. Limit the use of salt on paved areas in winter? |__| 12. Reduce impervious surfaces & replace w/more pervious materials?|__| 13. DNR: None of these|__| 14. DNR: Don't know
IF (#90 = 0) GO TO #89
SKIP TO QUESTION 92===========================================================
91. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC21PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
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92. What are the main reasons you do not participate in some ofthese activities that could reduce the impact of storm waterrunoff from your property? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
NORED 27:18-32(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Cost|__| 2. Not concerned,|__| 3. Not aware that my behavior is a problem|__| 4. Don't think my behavior is wrong|__| 5. Time/Work|__| 6. Too much trouble/Too lazy|__| 7. Don't like the way it looks/aesthetics|__| 8. Safety|__| 9. The state doesn't do it|__| 10. Don't own a pet|__| 11. Don't have an automobile|__| 12. Don't change my own oil|__| 13. Don't landscape|__| 14. Don't know|__| 15. Other
IF (#92 = 0) GO TO #91IF (#92 @ 15) GO TO #93
SKIP TO QUESTION 95===========================================================
93. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR NOT PARTICIPATING INACTIVITIES TO REDUCE STORM WATER RUNOFF IMPACTS.
NOREDST 28:1-120___________________________________________________________
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SKIP TO QUESTION 95===========================================================
94. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC22PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
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2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 30
95. Would you be more likely to change your behavior to helpimprove water quality if you knew that poor water qualityleads to...? (READ LIST; CHECK IF YES)
CHANGE 29:1-13(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Increased fish kills?|__| 2. Degraded aquatic habitat?|__| 3. A less diverse ecosystem? |__| 4. Swimming areas having to be closed? |__| 5. Fishing areas having to be closed? |__| 6. Unsafe drinking water? |__| 7. Health hazards from polluted water while wading or swimming?|__| 8. Health hazards to your children?|__| 9. Genetic mutations and birth defects? |__| 10. Lower property values?|__| 11. DNR: I've already altered my behavior/I do these things|__| 12. DNR: None of these|__| 13. DNR: Don't know
IF (#95 = 0) GO TO #94
96. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you knew that you could help protect future generations? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
FUTURE 29:14(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 96)|__| 2. Much more likely|__| 3. Somewhat more likely|__| 4. It would not influence my decision|__| 5. Somewhat less likely|__| 6. Much less likely|__| 7. Don't know|__| 8. DNR: I have already changed my behavior
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 419
2002 Delaware Environmental Attitudes Survey Page 31
97. Would you be more or less likely to change your behavior to help improve water quality if you received a tax break? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
TAXBREAK 29:15(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 97)|__| 2. Much more likely|__| 3. Somewhat more likely|__| 4. It would not influence my decision|__| 5. Somewhat less likely|__| 6. Much less likely|__| 7. Don't know|__| 8. DNR: I have already changed my behavior
98. What if you had to pay a small fee in your property tax billbut you knew that it was being used for conservation purposes?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
SMALLFEE 29:16(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 97)|__| 2. Much more likely|__| 3. Somewhat more likely|__| 4. It would not influence my decision|__| 5. Somewhat less likely|__| 6. Much less likely|__| 7. Don't know |__| 8. DNR: I have already changed my behavior
99. What if you received financial assistance for implementingconservation practices to reduce storm water runoff?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
GETMONEY 29:17(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 99)|__| 2. Much more likely|__| 3. Somewhat more likely|__| 4. It would not influence my decision|__| 5. Somewhat less likely|__| 6. Much less likely|__| 7. Don't know|__| 8. DNR: I have already changed my behavior
SKIP TO QUESTION 101===========================================================
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100. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC23PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
101. What are the reasons that you do not take greater measuresto improve water quality? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
NODO 29:18-33(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. I do as much as possible|__| 2. Cost|__| 3. Time/Work too much/etc.|__| 4. Too much trouble/Too lazy|__| 5. Don't like the way it looks/Aesthetics|__| 6. Too much maintenance|__| 7. Don't know where to get information|__| 8. Not concerned|__| 9. Don't know what to do|__| 10. Not aware of the problem|__| 11. Don't feel the responsibility to do anything|__| 12. Feel that individual actions don't have any impact|__| 13. Feel that the state is not setting a good example|__| 14. State doesn't hold corporations/developers/etc. to same standard|__| 15. Don't know|__| 16. Other
IF (#101 = 0) GO TO #100IF (#101 @ 16) GO TO #102
SKIP TO QUESTION 103===========================================================
102. ENTER OTHER REASON FOR NOT TAKING GREATERMEASURES TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY.
NODOST 30:1-120___________________________________________________________
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103. Now I just have a few statements and I'd like for you to rateeach one according to how important each is to you as a reasonfor taking greater measures to protect Delaware's water quality. For these questions, PLEASE RATE THE MOST IMPORTANT STATEMENTSAS A 1 AND THE LEAST IMPORTANT STATEMENTS AS A 10.
REASONSPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
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104. The first statement is: We have a right to clean water because water pollution threatens the health of ourselves, family, futuregenerations, and the planet. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
OURRIGHT 31:1-2|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
105. We all have a responsibility - individuals, the government, business and industry - to keep our waterways clean, and toprotect our drinking water, fish, and beaches. (1=MOST IMPORTANT;10 LEAST IMPORTANT) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
RSPONSBL 31:3-4|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
106. All people in Delaware benefit from the protection of the state'swater quality. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT)(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
BENEFIT 31:5-6|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
107. It is important to protect Delaware's water quality for futuregenerations, like our children and grandchildren. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
CHILDREN 31:7-8|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
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108. It is important to protect Delaware's water quality so that we don't become sick from contaminants in our drinking water. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
DRINKING 31:9-10|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
109. Keeping Delaware's inland and coastal waterways in good healthis important for tourism. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT)(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
TOURISM 31:11-12|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
110. A clean environment protects Delaware's residents' health. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
RESIDNTS 31:13-14|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
111. A clean environment is good for the economy.(1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
ECONOMY 31:15-16|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
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112. A clean and healthy environment can help to enhance propertyvalues. (1=MOST IMPORTANT; 10 LEAST IMPORTANT)(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW)
PROPVAL 31:17-18|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 10
SKIP TO QUESTION 114===========================================================
113. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC24PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
114. Who do you think should do more to help improve water quality inDelaware? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
DOMORE 31:19-26(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Me|__| 2. Residents|__| 3. Business/industry|__| 4. Government|__| 5. Everyone|__| 6. No one|__| 7. Don't know|__| 8. Other
IF (#114 = 0) GO TO #113IF (#114 @ 8) GO TO #115
SKIP TO QUESTION 116===========================================================
115. ENTER OTHER PERSON(S) THAT SHOULD DO MORETO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN DE.
DOMOREST 32:1-120___________________________________________________________
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116. If you knew that DNREC is seeking public input to help shape statepolicy on water quality, would you be interested in attending these meetings? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
MEETINGS 33:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 116)|__| 2. Very interested|__| 3. Somewhat interested|__| 4. Not at all interested|__| 5. Don't know
SKIP TO QUESTION 118===========================================================
117. YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC25PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
118. What would be your preferred method of receiving information aboutwater quality and things you can do to improve water quality? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
GETINF 33:2-12(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Newspapers|__| 2. TV|__| 3. Radio|__| 4. Magazines|__| 5. Brochures mailed to your house|__| 6. Demonstrations|__| 7. Meetings|__| 8. Internet/WWW|__| 9. Schools|__| 10. Don't know|__| 11. Other
IF (#118 = 0) GO TO #117IF (#118 @ 11) GO TO #119
SKIP TO QUESTION 120===========================================================
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119. ENTER OTHER WAY OF RECEIVING INFO.GETINFST 34:1-120
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120. Great! We are just about through. The final questions arefor background information and help us analyze the results.
DEMOPLEASE PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE...
121. Do you consider your place of residence to be in a largecity, a suburban area, a small city/town, or a rural area?
RESIDE 35:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 121)|__| 2. Large city or urban area|__| 3. Suburban area|__| 4. Small city or town|__| 5. Rural area|__| 6. REFUSED
122. For how many years have you lived in Delaware?(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 888 FOR REFUSED)
YRSLIVE 35:2-4|__|__|__| years
LOWEST VALUE = 1
123. Are you a Delaware native?NATIVE 35:5
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 123)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
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124. What is your county of residence? (ENTER 2-DIGIT COUNTY CODE FROM LIST)(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 888 FOR REFUSED)
COUNTY 35:6-7|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1
125. What is the total number of acres you own in Delaware?(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 88888.8 FOR REFUSED)
LANDOWN2 35:8-13|__|__|,|__|__|__|.|__| acres
126. Are you part of a neighborhood association?ASSOC 35:14
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 126)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don't know
127. Which of these categories best describes your profession? (READ LIST)
JOB 35:15-16(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Agriculture/farming|__| 2. Industry|__| 3. Construction/development|__| 4. Consulting|__| 5. Teaching/education|__| 6. Public Service|__| 7. DNR: Don't know|__| 8. DNR: Refused|__| 9. Other (GO TO QUESTION 128)|__| 10. Retired
SKIP TO QUESTION 129===========================================================
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128. ENTER OTHER TYPE OF PROFESSION.OTHJOB 36:1-120
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129. What is the highest grade level you have completed in school?(READ LIST AS NECESSARY)
LEVED 37:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. (DNR: Invalid answer. Select another.) (GO TO QUESTION 129)|__| 2. Grades 1 - 12, but no HS Diploma|__| 3. High school graduate or equivalent|__| 4. Some college or trade school|__| 5. College graduate|__| 6. Graduate or professional degree|__| 7. (DNR: REFUSED)
130. What race or ethnic background do you consider yourself?(DNR LIST; CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
RACE 37:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 130)|__| 2. Hispanic|__| 3. White|__| 4. African American|__| 5. Native American|__| 6. Asian American|__| 7. Don't know|__| 8. Other (GO TO QUESTION 131)|__| 9. Refused
SKIP TO QUESTION 132===========================================================
131. ENTER OTHER RACE.RACEST 38:1-120
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132. Which of these categories best describes your totalhousehold income before taxes last year?(READ SCALE)
INCOME 39:1-2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. (DNR: Invalid answer. Select another.) (GO TO QUESTION 132)|__| 2. Less than $20,000|__| 3. $20,000 to $39,999|__| 4. $40,000 to $59,999|__| 5. $60,000 to $79,999|__| 6. $80,000 to $99,999|__| 7. $100,000 to $149,999|__| 8. $150,000 or more|__| 9. (DNR: DON'T KNOW)|__| 10. (DNR: REFUSED)
133. And finally, may I ask your age?(ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; ENTER 888 FOR REFUSED)
AGE 39:3-5|__|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1
134. That's the end of the questionnaire, thank you very much for yourtime and cooperation!(ENTER ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS; IN FIRST PERSON; 120 CHARACTERS)
END 40:1-120___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
135. OBSERVE AND RECORD RESPONDENT'S GENDERGENDER 41:1
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 135)|__| 2. Don't know|__| 3. Male|__| 4. Female
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136. ENTER REGION FROM CALLSHEETREGION 41:2
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 136)|__| 2. Region 1|__| 3. Region 2|__| 4. Region 3|__| 5. Region 4|__| 6. Region 5|__| 7. MISSING
137. TIME INTERVIEW WAS COMPLETEDENDTIME 41:3-7
|__|__|__|__|__|
138. Please enter your initials in LOWERCASE ONLY!INTVRINT 41:8-10
|__|__|__|
139. Enter the area code and telephone number of number dialed.TELEPHON 41:11-20
|__|__|__|-|__|__|__|-|__|__|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1
140. SAVE OR ERASE INTERVIEW.DO NOT ERASE A COMPLETED INTERVIEW!
FINISH 41:21(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Save answers (GO TO QUESTION 142)|__| 2. Erase answers|__| 3. Review answers (GO TO QUESTION 3)
141. ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO ERASE THIS INTERVIEW?ONLY ERASE IF: Terminated (record on back),RF, BZ, NA, DS, BG, DL, AM
MAKESURE 41:22(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. No, do not erase the answers (GO TO QUESTION 140)|__| 2. Yes, erase this interview
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142. Date call was madeINTVDAT 41:23-30
|__|__|__|__|-|__|__|-|__|__| Year Month Day
SAVE IF (#140 = 1)
Environmental Attitudes of Delaware Residents 431
APPENDIX A: DELAWARE SCORP MAP