Dr. Natalie Henrich, Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences Dr. Bev Holmes, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Benefits and challenges of new water quality tests: what do stakeholders think?

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3 1.How could the tests be useful? 2.Why might the tests not be useful? 3.How can communicating about water quality with the public be improved?

4 Policy makers Watershed managers Laboratory managers Farmers Water communicators in the health authorities The public from pilot watersheds Lay experts

5 Evidence available to inform:  watershed management & source water protection  water treatment  use of recreational and drinking water  use of activities that impact water quality More rapid and effective response to contamination events

6 Understanding the implications of the test results  Do identified microbes pose a health threat?  How should behaviour change? Relevance for drinking water  Are microbes present post-treatment? Will policies permit decisions based on new tests?

7 Public:  Fecal contamination generally not seen as harmful  More concerned about chemical contamination Farmers:  Limited use of surface water  Concerns about regulatory impacts

8 Is there a problem with our water? There’s a problem with your water!

9 Is it safe to swim today? Here are the test scores!

10 Where can we find reliable information about water quality? The HA websites post test scores.

11 Can inform: Test design Implementation strategy (to uptake) Future research agenda/funding 2-way street between science and publics