Quality awareness of tap drinking water among Bangkok city residents and implications for sustainable supply management

Abstract

Abstract Although tap water in Bangkok has met international standards, some consumers do not trust that it is safe to drink. The demand for bottled water is still increasing. This may result in infrastructure investments and the production of waste. This study aimed to explore factors that influence the acceptance of drinkable tap water among Bangkok residents. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected via an interview of 374 participants using a structured questionnaire. There was a significant prevalence (51.87%) of the acceptance of drinkable tap water among Bangkok residents. Among them, 82.99% selected tap water to drink and 9.79% drank water directly from the tap. Factors that affected the acceptance of drinkable tap water were occupation, monthly income, campaign perception, personal belief, unacceptable sensory appearance, risk perception, knowledge, and attitude. This study found that drinking water selection was not associated with self-reported diarrhea. While we recognize that the cross-sectional study has some limitations, our data may provide additional insight into factors which affect consumers' behavior and may offer several benefits for water suppliers and public health decision-makers. This would eventually increase public awareness for economic benefits associated with the use of tap water and finally would reduce pollution by plastic waste.