Residents’ Perceptions of Water-related Problems in the Mailiao Area, Taiwan

This study surveyed the residents in Mailiao, a town located on the central-western coast of Taiwan, about their perceptions of environmental issues associated with water. A six-item measurement was developed. The residents were certain of sixteen identified environmental problems. Acid rain, subsidence and over-pumping of underground water were the three most serious problems in the area. The residents believed that these problems will worsen in the next ten years. They also believed that technology can solve the problems. The residents agreed to alter their lifestyles in order to alleviate the environmental problems.