ABSTRACT.Evidence from 1969 studies in Virginia and Ohio suggests that neither community leaders nor the general public are likely to define water related problems as major problem areas. An examination of the components of a social problem tends to indicate that water problems have not moved beyond a level of minimal public concern. When respondents were willing to describe existing or potential water problems, perceptions as well as possible solutions were described in abstract rather than action‐oriented terms. It is suggested that efforts to eliminate water resource problems are not likely to be effective until public concern moves to motivational and behavioral level
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