Factors influencing public perception and use of municipal drinking water

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 472-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Proulx ◽  
M. J. Rodriguez ◽  
J. B. Sérodes ◽  
L. F. Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Survey Respondent ◽  
Quebec City ◽  
Sampling Point ◽  
Consumption Profile

Despite more stringent regulations concerning drinking water quality in many countries, the public is increasingly concerned about the safety of municipal tap water. For this reason, acquiring a better understanding of consumer perception of tap water is an important issue for water authorities and utility managers. In this study, water consumption choice and profile were investigated. The case under study is the territory of a water supply system in Québec City (Canada). Data on drinking water consumption was obtained through a questionnaire-based survey. Survey results showed that an important proportion (about one third) of the population under study do not drink tap water. To explain consumption choice (tap water or not) and consumption profile (levels of tap water consumption), binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses (LGA) were performed based on survey responses and complementary data resulting from measurements of water quality parameters in 32 locations throughout the water distribution system. Water quality information was managed through a water quality index (WQI). The WQI of each sampling point was associated with the location of each survey respondent using a geographical information system (GIS). LGA results showed that the geographical location of the consumer within the distribution system, the WQI and perceived risk toward water consumption were the main factors explaining both the water consumption choice and tap water consumption profile.

Absence of Relationship between Health Effects Due to Tap Water Consumption and Drinking Water Quality Parameters

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Payment ◽  
Eduardo Franco ◽  
Jack Siemiatycki
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Reverse Osmosis ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Gastrointestinal Illnesses

An 18-month prospective epidemiological study of gastrointestinal illnesses was conducted on 300 families consuming conventionally treated tap water and 300 consuming the same water after further treatment by reverse-osmosis. Drinking water met current bacteriological and physicochemical quality standards, but was found to be associated with a significant level of gastrointestinai illnesses: a reduction of 30% of the gastrointestinal illnesses was observed in the group consuming the filtered water. The presence or absence of total coliforms or fecal coliforms was not indicative of the health effects observed. The heterotrophic plate counts at 20°C in the distribution system were weakly associated with the duration of the symptoms when the data was analyzed by subregion. Several approaches to clustering of the family data to the nearest sampling site were attempted: no association could be demonstrated. Even if consumers of reverse-osmosis water experienced, on the average, less gastrointestinal illnesses, their illnesses were significantly associated with the number of bacteria growing at 35°C on medium R2A. The problems associated with the predictive value of the bacterial content of a water sample and in particular, the major differences between water quality at the tap and in the distribution system are presented. For example, standard procedures require analysis of the water after flushing the tap for several minutes: this is not however typical of the water that is consumed. Water that comes out of the tap has stagnated for long periods in household pipes and regrowth of bacterial contaminants can easily occur. The bacteria growing in this water might thus be responsible for some of the health effects observed in tap water.

scholarly journals Risk Perception and Bottled Drinking Water Consumption in Istanbul City

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-532
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Network Water ◽  
Tap Water Quality

Parallel to the increase in public concern about the safety of drinking water globally, the demand for bottled water has increased in almost every country. Although tap water is significantly cheaper than bottled water, consumers concerned about the safety of tap water. They still prefer the bottled water despite several checks implemented in tap water networks. The present paper aims to discuss network water quality in the city of Istanbul, Turkey and to present the findings on a related survey conducted by the authors. The survey was conducted with the participation of 980 individuals living in different districts in Istanbul and the findings were assessed to determine the public perception about tap water quality and bottled water consumption especially after the experienced years of drought and water quality concerns. Findings demonstrated that several individuals never drink tap water and certain individuals do not utilize tap water at all. It was found that only 4% in the surveyed group drink tap water without hesitation. Based on survey findings, the abovementioned group was mainly among the lowest income group in the sample. When purchasing bottled water, several individuals preferred the well-known brands. It was found that the most significant reasons for preferring bottled water were the nice taste of the bottled spring water, which was perceived not to exist in tap water. It was concluded that drinking water treatment facilities and regulations are required to cater the future quality demands. Furthermore, it was determined that adequate inspections and controls on network water are necessary.

Greater Vancouver's drinking water treatment program

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (S1) ◽  
pp. 36-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Mark D Ferguson ◽  
Douglas G Neden
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Treatment Program ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Process Selection ◽  
Direct Filtration ◽  
Mountain Watersheds

The Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) supplies water to 1.9 million people from three coastal mountain watersheds. Water quality concerns identified include waterborne disease risks associated with Giardia and Cryptosporidium, episodes of elevated turbidity, bacterial regrowth in the distribution system, and corrosive water. To address these concerns, the GVRD has initiated a $300 million capital program to upgrade its treatment capabilities that includes two 1200 ML·d–1 ozone and corrosion control facilities, a 1000 ML·d–1 filtration plant, and an ongoing program of rechlorination stations and distribution system improvements. This paper provides an overview of the GVRD's drinking water treatment program and related initiatives. These include the decision-making process related to using ozone without filtration, the process selection and selected project delivery method for the Seymour filtration plant, and, lastly, the ongoing secondary disinfection program which includes unidirectional flushing, reservoir exercising, environmental management, and remote data monitoring and data evaluation using a geographical information system application.Key words: water quality, protozoa, ozone, direct filtration, rechlorination, remote monitoring, GIS.

scholarly journals Evaluation of potential human health risk and investigation of drinking water quality in Isparta city center (Turkey)

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simge Varol ◽  
Aysen Davraz
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
World Health ◽  
City Center ◽  
Rock Interaction

Isparta city center is selected as a work area in this study because the public believes that the tap water is dirty and harmful. In this study, the city's drinking water in the distribution system and other spring waters which are used as drinking water in this region were investigated from the point of water quality and health risk assessment. Water samples were collected from major drinking water springs, tap waters, treatment plants and dam pond in the Isparta province center. Ca-Mg-HCO3, Mg-Ca-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, Ca-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-SO4 and Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 are dominant water types. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by World Health Organization and Turkey, much greater attention should be paid to As, Br, Fe, F, NH4, PO4 through varied chemicals above the critical values. The increases of As, Fe, F, NH4 and PO4 are related to water–rock interaction. In tap waters, the increases of As and Fe are due to corrosion of pipes in drinking water distribution systems. The major toxic and carcinogenic chemicals within drinking water are As and Br for both tap water and spring water. Also, F is the non-carcinogenic chemical for only spring waters in the study area.

scholarly journals Chemical quality and water quality indices of Fiche drinking water, Oromia, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gezahegn Faye ◽  
Israel Sebsibe ◽  
Birhanu Degaga ◽  
Tsige Tekle
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Chemical Characteristics ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Spectrophotometric Methods ◽  
Continuous Quality ◽  
Weighted Arithmetic ◽  
Annual Range

Abstract The problem of drinking water quality is common in developing countries. While a piped water supply is available in many parts of Fiche, Ethiopia, the water may be contaminated in the distribution system and thus, continuous quality assessment is required to ensure safe drinking water for the community. Instrumental and spectrophotometric methods were used to analyze the chemical characteristics including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, ammonia, iron and manganese. The weighted arithmetic water quality index method was applied to assess the water's quality rating. The chemical characteristics of the tap water's annual range was; temperature between 19.4 and 20.0°C, pH between 6.8 and 7.6, DO between 4.5 and 6.1 mg/L, ammonia between 0.01 and 0.2 mg-NH3/L, nitrate between 1.1 and 1.8 mg-NO3/L, nitrite between 0.003 and 0.06 mg-NO2/L, 2.0 and 19.1 mg-SO42−/L, chloride between 10.07 and 30.0 mg-Cl−/L, manganese between 0.003 and 0.003 mg-Mn/L, iron between 0.01 and 0.03 mg-Fe/L. The WQIs for the reservoir and tap water were 25.031 and 40.676, respectively, so the tap water is rated ‘good’ for drinking.

A methodology for identifying vulnerable locations to taste and odour problems in a drinking water system

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 177-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Proulx ◽  
M.J. Rodriguez ◽  
J. Sérodes ◽  
C. Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Water System ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Water Quality Monitoring ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Spatial Approach ◽  
Drinking Water System

In this research, methodology was developed to identify locations vulnerable to taste and odour problems in a distribution system. The methodology was based on a multicriteria procedure combining spatial information on consumer complaints and popular perception of tap water. The first step in the described methodology consisted of mapping complaints regarding tap water made by the population between 2002 and 2004 using a geographical information system (GIS). The second step consisted of analysing results of a questionnaire-based mail survey, also through GIS. The information generated using the above steps was integrated using a multicriteria and spatial approach allowing segregation of the distribution system into delineated zones, according to their vulnerability to occurrences of taste and odour problems. The identification of vulnerable sectors in a distribution system will help water managers to implement a better-targeted water quality monitoring programme – one that considers odours and tastes of drinking water – within the management process.

scholarly journals How Perceptions of Trust, Risk, Tap Water Quality, and Salience Characterize Drinking Water Choices

Hydrology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Madeline A. Grupper ◽  
Madeline E. Schreiber ◽  
Michael G. Sorice
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
The Public ◽  
Water Behavior

Provision of safe drinking water by water utilities is challenged by disturbances to water quality that have become increasingly frequent due to global changes and anthropogenic impacts. Many water utilities are turning to adaptable and flexible strategies to allow for resilient management of drinking water supplies. The success of resilience-based management depends on, and is enabled by, positive relationships with the public. To understand how relationships between managers and communities spill over to in-home drinking water behavior, we examined the role of trust, risk perceptions, salience of drinking water, and water quality evaluations in the choice of in-home drinking water sources for a population in Roanoke Virginia. Using survey data, our study characterized patterns of in-home drinking water behavior and explored related perceptions to determine if residents’ perceptions of their water and the municipal water utility could be intuited from this behavior. We characterized drinking water behavior using a hierarchical cluster analysis and highlighted the importance of studying a range of drinking water patterns. Through analyses of variance, we found that people who drink more tap water have higher trust in their water managers, evaluate water quality more favorably, have lower risk perceptions, and pay less attention to changes in their tap water. Utility managers may gauge information about aspects of their relationships with communities by examining drinking water behavior, which can be used to inform their future interactions with the public, with the goal of increasing resilience and adaptability to external water supply threats.

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