The Influence of Trust in Science and Political Leaning on Perceptions of Drinking Water Quality

Abstract

This summer, I researched how trust in scientific institutions and political beliefs influence perceptions of drinking water. Past research shows that drinking water quality is becoming a national issue and is widely regarded as an important environmental problem. As with many other environmental issues, including climate change and land conservation, it has the potential to become widely politicized. Furthermore, individual trust in science is influenced by a variety of factors, including gender, education, and religious affiliation. The COVID-19 Pandemic also acted as a catalyst to rapidly widen political gaps regarding science. The way individuals think about science plays into their concern about environmental issues. This idea of scientific trust had not yet been applied to the issue of drinking water quality. My research helps to fill this gap, and I hoped to find that something as simple and universally needed as drinking water would not become a political issue.

This study relied on both a mail survey and interviews. 1500 surveys were sent to a random sample of Dunn and Barron County residents who were asked about concern with drinking water, which institution they trusted most to give them accurate scientific information, their political beliefs, and other demographic questions. The survey was also distributed at the Menomonie Farmer’s Market. A little over 200 responses were collected. Interview participants were both Menomonie citizens and local water quality enforcement officials, and the interview questions covered similar topics but looked to get a more personal view on how this issue impacted everyday life and work. Citizen participants were put in contact with me through a LAKES REU mentor, and enforcement participants were emailed directly and asked to participate.

Thankfully, the results showed that partisanship has not yet affected concern regarding drinking water in Dunn and Barron Counties. This is hopeful considering how political other environmental concerns have become. There was, however, variation in which institutions would be trusted most to give accurate scientific information regarding drinking water quality, and this variation did fall along ideological lines. Right-leaning individuals were more likely to trust friends and family and state government, while those who leaned to the left were more likely to trust university scientists and the EPA. Those who identify as moderate were spread quite evenly along all institutions. Additionally, local government and Dunn County Public Health were both universally trusted. Further research should examine how scientific trust relates to concern with other environmental issues, like global warming and land conservation, to assist scientists in effectively presenting information to the public.

Growing up in Nebraska in a town situated directly over the largest aquifer in North America, ground and drinking water are close to my heart. Additionally, the polarization of science that came with the COVID-19 Pandemic was fascinating to watch as a political science student. This research combines these interests and is applicable to the communities along the Red Cedar Watershed which I have grown to love during my three years at UW-Stout. Getting to work with individuals from across the country was an amazing opportunity, and this program has taught me skills that I will undoubtedly carry with me through the rest of my academic and vocational career.