1. Development of Public Communication Toolkit for Desalination Projects (WateReuse-12-02)

2. Today’s Presentation Why develop a toolkit? What’s in it? How to use the toolkit Communicating about desalination 2

3. Why Develop a Communication Toolkit? Desalination often considered a sustainable water source But…any new water project can face opposition Robust public outreach programs: Build trust Elicit stakeholder input Contribute to understanding and support Toolkit = A roadmap to craft project specific outreach 3

4. Key Research Findings Every desalination project is unique Water supply situation Political climate Regulatory environment Tailor outreach efforts/communication plan to a specific project Communication must be consistent/ongoing Include all stakeholders Inform supporters, critics, elected officials, public in all phases Transparency builds trust 4

5. In-Depth Interviews Information gathered from 12 water purveyors All interviewees had some level of experience with desalination projects: planning, environmental, operational project aspects Advice on what works/doesn’t work Ideas for successful outreach activities 5

6. Toolkit Contents Strategic outreach and awareness plan template Informational materials: FAQ, glossary and sample fact sheets Video in English and Spanish Why it is important to communicate about desalination Link libraries: print and video In-depth interview report Triple bottom line benefits of a desalination project 6

7. Using the Toolkit Sample informational materials How to develop “your own materials” What should be included FAQ and glossary only need specific project information Links to agencies that have desalination projects Video provides basic information about desalination 7

8. Link Libraries Both print materials and videos included Includes websites, reports, handouts, publications, journals, news stories Broad sampling of information – not definitive Starting point for staffer who needs to develop or implement an outreach plan 8

9. 9 Communicating About Desalination Developing/delivering messages are the heart of strategic outreach and awareness program Deliver the right messages At the right time In the right context To the right people

10. The Challenges of Desalination Most common questions: Energy usage Brine concentrate disposal Impacts to marine life Cost 10

11. Developing Effective Messages is Crucial Tailor outreach efforts to specific projects Each community or region’s water supply situation, political climate, and regulatory environment are unique to their location Place proposed desalination project in larger context of meeting long-term water supply needs 11

12. Strategic Outreach and Awareness Plan Initial Steps: Identify your communication goal/objectives Conduct community research: (surveys, interviews, focus groups) Develop your key messages and strategies and outreach activities to help you achieve your communication goal/objectives 12

13. Strategic Outreach and Awareness Plan 13

14. Telling Your Project Story Develop your project story Answer these types of questions : What is purpose/need for project? What are alternatives? Describe project specific issues: Where will the water be used? What are the benefits of the project? How much will it cost and when will it be complete? Include key messages in your comprehensive outreach program 14

15. Developing Key Messages for Outreach 15

16. Developing Key Messages for Outreach Desalination is a drought-proof, local water supply Desalination is part of a diverse water supply portfolio Drought, climate change and increasing environmental regulation will greatly reduce available water Desalinating seawater will reduce reliance on other water sources: local groundwater or imported water Desalination provides a local water supply to protect the local community, quality of life and economy 16

17. Delivering the Message Be the main source for all project information Create a consistent look and feel for all materials Fact sheets and brochures are excellent take home materials Don’t forget about social media 17 West Basin Municipal Water District – Ocean-Water Desalination

18. Identify Key Stakeholder Groups 18 Elected Officials Environmental Groups Media Regulators Business Leaders Agency Employees Property Owners Civic Groups Government AgenciesGeneral Public

19. Develop Strategies for Stakeholder Groups Start communicating during the planning phase Continuity is key – maintain communication during lulls or construction Communicate in all formats/venues – newsletters, websites, emails, presentations, events and more Be direct in addressing issues raised by project opponents Keep elected officials, regulators, agency staff informed 19

20. Questions the Public & Stakeholders Will Likely Ask 20 Why can’t we just conserve more water? Have you explored all other supply options or alternatives? Doesn’t desalination use a lot of energy? How will you dispose safely of the brine concentrate? How will it be financed? What is the total cost? Where else is desalination being used to successfully solve water scarcity?

21. 21 Fact Sheet Examples:

22. Summary of Strategies for Success Develop an outreach and awareness plan supported by agency and project team members Conduct community research Allocate an adequate budget and time Develop the project story Talk early and often to stakeholders and community groups Tap into renewable power portfolios Keep elected officials in the loop Be transparent: transparency builds trust 22

23. 23 Example of Successful Outreach Plan

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26. Thank You 26