Strategic Use of Technical Information in Urban Instream Flow Plans

Abstract

A number of cities hope to follow the example of San Antonio, Texas, in developing a viable tourist/retail park near an urban river. While this is an appealing idea, problems are associated with such a task, including the problem of ensuring that water flows through the park. Success in such an important undertaking depends on a three‐part strategy: (1) understanding laws; (2) projecting agency concerns; and (3) using technical information. The authorities vary according to state water law. Understanding the concerns of agencies involves understanding data needs, anticipating resistance to plans, and assessing the roles of supporters and opponents. This paper describes four roles which water resources management agencies commonly assume, addresses issues pertaining to urban instream flow programs, and discusses the agency concerns associated with each role. Because effective use of technical information is required to both address these agency concerns and to explain urban instream flow programs to the general public, recent research on water resource “knowledge holding” is also described. Research suggests that public acceptance of programs intended to preserve water resources is enhanced by the possession of knowledge concerning local water resources—even among those ideologically opposed to such programs.