Water isn’t just something that flows from a tap. For many, it’s deeply tied to identity, control, and survival. When a water project threatens to disrupt services or change access, it can stir powerful emotions. Whether it’s a prolonged shutdown for upgrades, propose changes to water policy or a new treatment program, engaging the right stakeholders early can make or break your project.
Here are three groups you must engage with – and if you don’t, expect a tidal wave of resistance.
1. Public health opponents: A legacy of control battles
Water treatment seems like a no-brainer, right? Clean, safe drinking water is surely something we can all agree on. Well, not quite.
In most democracies, we usually go about our lives without feeling the full weight of government authority. However, as COVID demonstrated, when the public does experience that level of control, it can be difficult to accept such sweeping ‘parental’ authority.
For that reason, specific impassioned stakeholder groups are wary of public health measures, even when they’re for the collective good. From anti-vaxxers to those opposing fluoridation, some communities see government intervention as a form of absolute control – and they’re not happy about it.
If your water project involves mandatory treatments or restrictions, you need to tread carefully. These groups aren’t just sceptical; they’re actively opposed to what they see as overreach. And that passion can often go hand in hand with extensive research, meaning often these groups have quite an advanced level of water literacy that requires specialist consideration and discussion.
Meeting their deep interest by engaging them in the robust discussions they seek and involving them in transparent dialogue with technical specialists, can help stakeholders feel heard and help reduce the perception that Big Government is once again stepping in to control their lives.
2. Traditional Owners: More than just water – It’s sacred
In Australasia, water is far more than a resource for many Aboriginal and Māori communities – it’s sacred. It connects people to their ancestors, their land, and their identity. It’s woven into creation stories and holds deep spiritual significance.
Treating or altering water can feel like tampering with something far beyond the physical. For many Traditional Owners, water has a spirit, a life force, and is part of the cultural fabric. Any project that affects waterways, aquifers, or lakes must be approached with deep respect and understanding.
Engagement here isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s about partnership. Recognise the sovereignty of Traditional Owners and work collaboratively to honour their connection to the water. A failure to do so risks more than project delays; it can sever trust and damage relationships for years to come.
3. Marginalised communities: The forgotten voices
When the taps run dry or water quality changes, it’s often the most vulnerable who are hit hardest. Low-income families, people with disabilities, those with English as a second language, the elderly, and remote communities are disproportionately impacted by disruptions to water services.
For these groups, a prolonged outage or change in water supply can be a matter of life and death. They may not have access to alternative resources, making even a small disruption a major crisis. Add to that language barriers, patchy or non-existence mobile phone or wifi reception, accessibility challenges, and limited support systems, and you have a recipe for disaster if they’re not properly engaged.
When working with marginalised communities, communication must be clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate. Support services like water deliveries, financial assistance, and health interventions may be necessary, so plan ahead and make sure these communities know they’re not forgotten.
Don’t underestimate the power of water
Water is a fundamental part of life – and when projects disrupt or alter it, they touch something deeply personal for many stakeholders.
From public health sceptics to Traditional Owners and marginalised communities, engaging these groups with respect, transparency, and foresight is crucial. Fail to do so, and you might find yourself caught in a wave of resistance that could sink your project.
