Improving hydrologic literacy and the web

Water resource sustainability is a critical emerging issue throughout the Southwest. Strategies to address these issues include an improved scientific understanding of the physical processes involved, greater use of GIS and remote sensing technologies, effective hydrologic and economic models of water use, new training and educational opportunities and a general understanding among all sectors of the public on the importance of water sustainability. SAHRA, Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrologic and Riparian Areas, is a new NSF Science and Technology Center that is working on each of these critical and inter-connected issues through a partnership of 10 university and 7 governmental organizations located throughout Arizona, California, Mexico and New Mexico.

The internet will play an integral role in meeting many of these objectives, particularly among students, teachers and the public. Our web site , features research summaries, training opportunities, an educator's clearinghouse for relevant materials and curriculum in this region, supporting materials for a University-level course on regional water issues and links to other sites of interest. Perhapes of most general interest, is a study done on the basic attributes of hydrologic literacy and how to improve student appreciation and understanding of these elements. The essential elements of hydrologic literacy (also tied to National Science Standards) are knowledge and understanding of:

1) the various processes and components of the water cycle, 2) water's essential role in life, 3) water's basic role in modifying the environment, 4) community water resources, treatment and what limitations exist, 5) water's contribution to the quality of life, and 6) human impacts on water quality, quantity and availability.