Perceived Water Conservation Attitudes and Behaviours in Second-Home Island Settings

Abstract

The availability and quality of water is an issue of increasing concern especially in small islands experiencing the pressures of second-home development. This article explores the perspectives and behaviours of permanent and second-home owner island residents with respect to their freshwater management practices on Mayne Island, British Columbia. It reports that although few differences exist in the stated water uses of these residents, discrepancies exist in the perceived contributions each group makes to this issue. These perceptual differences contribute to a lack of the collective social capital needed to implement an effective water management plan for the area. The findings recommend a variety of strategies for overcoming this problem.