Factors associated with drinking and being satisfied with tap water in Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada

Silvia Bermedo-Carrasco,Lalita Bharadwaj,Cheryl L Waldner

doi:10.1080/22423982.2018.1466605

Silvia Bermedo-Carrasco, Lalita Bharadwaj + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2018.1466605

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Abstract

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have described concerns regarding tap water in Indigenous communities, yet there is little information on participants who report drinking their tap water and being satisfied with its quality. This study undertaken with members of 8 Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada, and identified factors associated with both the decision to drink tap water at home and being satisfied with its quality. We examined the importance of factors such as individual attributes, experiences, attitudes, household and community-based variables. Less than one-quarter of participants (23.4%) drank tap water and were satisfied with its quality. Individuals who did not boil tap water (odds ratio [OR] = 5.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68–19.8), those who did not experience tap water odour (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.26–4.50) and participants living in communities away from urban centres (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.63–4.51) were more likely to drink and be satisfied with their tap water. Concerns about the environment had the most impact on community members aged 55+ years. Those not reporting concerns about environmental problems affecting water (OR = 11.4, 95% CI = 3.10–42.2) were much more likely to drink and be satisfied with their tap water. Programmes to improve water quality, reduce the need for boil water advisories and increase community confidence in the environment could improve tap water satisfaction and consumption.

Highlights

Tap water is the primary source of drinking water in Canada [1]
A recent study in western Canada identified that Indigenous community members who reported rarely or never drinking their tap water and who were dissatisfied with their tap water were more likely to self-report health effects from drinking water [11]
For Indigenous people, access to water is part of wellness, a concept rooted on the balance among different components that connect individuals with Creation [15]

Summary

Introduction

Tap water is the primary source of drinking water in Canada [1]. Most Canadian households (88.9%) are served by piped water systems, while 11.1% of families rely on private wells or truck-delivered water [2]. Most people in Canada enjoy the benefits of safe reliable drinking water, 1% of the population, primarily from rural and Indigenous communities, have no access to adequate quality tap water and sanitation systems [5,6]. Inadequate access to safe drinking water is an ongoing problem in many Indigenous communities in Canada [8] and is another example of the health inequities faced by Indigenous peoples [9]. A recent study in western Canada identified that Indigenous community members who reported rarely or never drinking their tap water and who were dissatisfied with their tap water were more likely to self-report health effects from drinking water [11]

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