Community Perceptions of the Implementation and Adoption of WSUD Approaches for Stormwater Management

Abstract

In this chapter we will explore five dimensions of people’s attitudes to and engagement with WSUD systems. The dimensions are visibility, recreation and other amenity, economic considerations for residents, place attachment, social capital, and community engagement. The chapter will cover community perception based on sociotechnical assessment of selected developments designed using WSUD philosophies. The analysis using social capital and place attachment provides a conceptual framework for understanding support for WSUD systems and reveals the potential for a cycle of prosocial and proenvironmental behavior. Not only are social capital and place attachment created from the benefits of WSUD, but also increased social capital and place attachment supports the ongoing management of WSUD. Interventions that increase awareness of WSUD’s benefits, or initiate and support development of community groups, strengthen social capital within a community and support WSUD over the long term.