The first step is developing the source water assessment plan with the help of citizen and technical advisors. States can delegate some or all of the implementation tasks to local entities. Citizens and officials who get involved in the planning process will be in a position to contribute to state decisions. The bureaucrats learn what the real issues are at the grassroots level. Everyone involved may need to discard some comfortable patterns and expectations.
Public involvement starts with public awareness.
Awareness is best accomplished through an ongoing program of outreach and education to all segments of the public. States that have a working outreach program may find the public involvement process for drinking water source assessment easier than those that don't. Outreach and education efforts are recommended throughout this handbook. There are many techniques for communicating information to the public and encouraging feedback. None are cost free.