Contaminants of Emerging Concern and Risk Communication: Developing Core Messages and Engaging Critical Stakeholders
Communicating with diverse stakeholders about the risk of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water is a challenge for water utilities. The challenge arises because the risks to human and ecological health are frequently not known, and the science informing these risks is evolving. In addition, analytical techniques continue to improve, so that increasingly smaller levels of CECs can be detected. CECs in water also receive significant media attention, and many are not removed by conventional water treatment processes. To help utilities with this challenging issue, this Research Area was initiated in 2012.
Research Area Objectives
- Provide core messages and strategies for water utilities to communicate about the relative risk of exposure to contaminants of emerging concern in water with different audiences.
- Facilitate dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders to raise awareness of issues associated with CECs in drinking water; discuss multi-disciplinary, multi-sector solutions; and identify frameworks and opportunities for continued discussions towards solutions.
Research Area Project Timeline and Value
National Dialogue on CECs and Public Health
- Timeline: 2013–2014
- Total Project Value: $189,398
- Research Area Objectives: Dialogue
Core Messages for Priority CECs
- Timeline: 2013–2017
- Total Project Value: $234,210
- Research Area Objectives: Core Messages
Terminology for Improved Communication Regarding CECs
- Timeline: 2015–2017
- Total Project Value: $188,245
- Research Area Objectives: Core Messages
Hospital Discharge Practices and CECs in Water
- Timeline: 2016–2018
- Total Project Value: $244,930
- Research Area Objectives: Dialogue
Cumulative Project Value for Research Area: $856,783
Projects Funded Outside of the Research Area Program that meet a Research Area Objective
Customer Messaging on Plumbing Systems Issues
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: FA
- RA Objectives: Core Messages
Development of a Risk Communication Toolkit for Cyanotoxins
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: EO
- RA Objectives: Core Messages
Key
FA = Focus Area
EO = Emerging Opportunities