The society consciousness in the field of degradation of water

Abstract

Degradation of water has grown more intense for the last fifty years in Poland. It seems to be necessary then to terminate this process. People have to intensify the protection of water supply. It could be done both by building and modernization of objects protecting water, and also by informing the society about the problems of water degradation.

The social support for ecological program is very important and it makes water protection more efficient. Investigation of the present society consciousness in the field of ecology should precede the general information program about water degradation.

The research of The Department of Environment Protection in the Catholic University of Lublin entitled ”The society consciousness in the field of degradation of water” can be an example of such an investigation. It has been done since 1992, in south-eastern Poland. The researchers surveyed 290 farmers in five districts: Gorzków, Szczebrzeszyn, Biłgoraj, Zwierzyniec, Józefów.

The result has proved that nearly one-third of the farmers are not conscious of the progressing water degradation. The majority of farmers know the chief sources of water pollution and they realize the influence of water pollution on human health. However, they disregard the effect of contamination on agriculture. Men seem to know ecological problems better than women - they are conscious of the progressing water degradation, thay know what the sources of water degradation are and they support local actions for water protection. According to the results of the research people who have the lowest level of ecological consciousness are people with incomplete primary education, and secondary education, and then with trade education, incomplete secondary education, primary education, University education and people with incomplete University education have had the best results. Summing up, the increase in knowledge in the field of protection of the environment does not follow the increase in the level of education. Over 35% of the surveyed farmers are not interested in participation in water protection and they would not like to share the expenses for building of objects protecting water.

Seen in this light it is necessary to intensify the propagation of ecological problems.