Informing water-saving communication in the United States using the situational theory of problem solving

Environmental communication professionals have been conducting water conservation programs across the nation, recognizing the need to conserve water as one of the top issues facing the United States (U.S.). Research has shown the number of people that will be exposed to water scarcity will steadily increase. This research uses the Situational Theory of Problem Solving in an attempt to further understand why and how landscape irrigators (residents that control their home landscape irrigation systems) across the U.S. recognize water as an issue and choose to communicate about water conservation. The findings revealed landscape irrigators recognize water use as an issue but exhibit a low level of communicative action when addressing the issue. In addition, as their perceived level of involvement increases, they are less likely to communicate about water conservation, revealing a sense of cognitive dissonance and discomfort with their behavior to the point they would rather not discuss the problem. Recommendations include encouraging environmental communication professionals to communicate at the community level to discuss community conservation effects, utilize existing clientele to develop a sense of involvement among their circles of influence and encourage the use of social media techniques when communicating to further their reach.