This $750,000 National Science Foundation project grant funds research at the University of Texas at Austin to develop culturally appropriate messaging strategies for water utilities serving Spanish-speaking populations during infrastructure emergencies. The grant is part of NSF's Strengthening American Infrastructure program and supports the agency's Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences program (CFDA 47.075).
Working with water utilities, the researchers will conduct community-centered studies to understand cultural considerations and current communication practices. They will design theory-informed messages in multiple languages and channels to encourage cooperative water-related behavior during disasters. Messages will be tested and evaluated based on their impact on technical system performance and user attitudes. The goal is to strengthen America's water infrastructure by equipping utilities with effective cross-cultural communication strategies to protect this vital resource and engage diverse end users as collaborative partners during critical times. The award period is from September 2022 to August 2025.