Perception Of Water Quality Research Articles

Water insecurity may exacerbate food insecurity even in water-rich environments: Evidence from the Bolivian Amazon

Globally, challenges with water and food are two of the most pressing problems people face. Yet hydrologically water-rich environments and rural environments are often overlooked in these discussions due to abundance of natural water resources. Here we test the relationship between water and food insecurity among 270 Tsimane' households in the Bolivian Amazon. Water challenges were evaluated with the Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale (HWISE), water quality perception, objective water quality analyses, and water access via the JMP drinking water ladder. Food insecurity was measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and quantitative measures of food frequency recall were used to further test the water and food insecurity relationship. Using multilevel mixed-effects linear regression, each point increase in HWISE score was associated with 0.47 point (95 % CI: 0.30, 0.62, p < 0.001) higher food insecurity, and households with access to improved water sources had between 1.25 and 1.36 points (95 % CI: −2.61, −0.01, p < 0.05) lower food insecurity compared to households reliant on surface water. These relationships held true independent of quantitative measures of both fish and meat consumption. Using mixed-effects logistic regression analyses, each point increase in HWISE score was associated with 43 % (95 % CI: 1.25–1.66, p < 0.001) increased odds of experiencing severe food insecurity. Households changing what was eaten due to experienced water problems was associated with 2.33 points (95 % CI: 0.41, 4.25, p < 0.05) higher food insecurity. This relationship held true independent of perceived water quality, indicating other structural water problems may be important here in the household water and food insecurity relationship. These results demonstrate that even in water-rich environments, like the Amazon, water and food insecurity are interconnected. Further, despite the challenging conditions, equitable structural interventions, like the development of improved water infrastructure, are critical for the provision of clean drinking water and may simultaneously help alleviate food insecurity.

Perceived and Physical Quality of Drinking Water in Pavlodar and Akmola Rural Regions of Kazakhstan

Water quality in rural areas of developing countries is a notable problem. In this article, drinking water quality from eleven villages in the Pavlodar and the Akmola region of Kazakhstan was analyzed. Questionnaires of village respondents and chemical components of drinking water were analyzed to identify the quality of drinking water. In each of the villages, the chemical content varied depending on the source of drinking water. In the rural Pavlodar region, we observed that some cations and anions exceed the MPC. Respondents’ perceptions of water quality are associated with water sources and physical components. For example, respondents’ satisfaction by inside tap of central water systems’ water was high, the answers of those whose water source was private wells showed more mixed satisfaction levels. The drinking water physical quality indicators are closely related to water mineralization and general hardness. The total microbial count of drinking water has a significant relationship with respondents’ complaints about unpleasant taste, odor, and salinity. The relationship between perceived and physical water quality is a critical aspect of water resource management. By bridging the gap between scientific assessments and public perceptions, we can enhance public health, build trust in water management systems, and promote sustainability of water use.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water and Wastewater

The primary focus of the study is to assess the presence and concentration of heavy metals in the water and evaluate its suitability for drinking purposes. Given that a significant portion of the local population depends on groundwater for their daily needs, the study is critical in understanding the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated water. The study begins with a comprehensive survey to gauge the extent of water usage among the local population and their perceptions of water quality. Results from the survey reveal that nearly half of the households in the region are not connected to a formal drinking water network, relying instead on wells and springs. While the majority of respondents perceive the water quality as good, the analytical findings suggest otherwise. Groundwater samples were collected from twelve wells and three springs across the region. These samples were subjected to rigorous analysis using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) to detect the concentration of various heavy metals, including aluminum, silver, iron, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, zinc, lead, and copper. The results indicate that many of these metals are present in concentrations that exceed the World Health Organization's recommended limits for safe drinking water. Iron, in particular, was found at high levels in all sampled locations, raising significant concerns. The study also employs the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of water quality. The HPI values calculated for the sampled water sources reveal that a majority of the wells and all of the springs have levels of heavy metal contamination that render the water non-potable. This finding is particularly alarming given the region's dependence on water, especially during periods of drought when alternative water sources are scarce.

Assessment of Bottled Drinking Water Quality, Safety and Community Perceptions in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Assessment of Bottled Drinking Water Quality, Safety and Community Perceptions in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Bottled Water Consumption and Perceptions of Household Water Quality: An Intra-Urban Analysis of Greensboro, North Carolina

abstract: Perceived household water quality can affect decision-making about bottled water consumption, an issue of environmental justice. Residents who do not trust the quality of their tap water may drink bottled water as an alternative, but people also choose to drink bottled water for other reasons, such as taste or convenience. This study examines patterns of bottled water consumption and perceptions of tap water quality across neighborhoods of Greensboro, North Carolina, with differing income levels. Household surveys were used to investigate residents' consumption of bottled water and tap water and their stated reasons for consuming bottled water. Results indicate that respondents in low-income neighborhoods report drinking significantly (p=0.001) more bottled water than respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. Concerns about the safety of tap water were a significantly (p=0.00005) more important reason for respondents in low-income neighborhoods to choose bottled water compared to respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that intra-urban differences in perceptions of household water quality are a major environmental justice issue in that concerns about safety drive low-income residents to spend their limited income on bottled water.

Navigating end-user perceptions: development and initial psychometric properties of a water quality perception scale

Navigating end-user perceptions: development and initial psychometric properties of a water quality perception scale

Self-reported urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis symptoms among indigenous adolescents during seasonal periods of water scarcity: A cross-sectional study in Bandarban Hill District of Bangladesh.

Water scarcity and poor water quality could lead to suboptimum menstrual hygiene practices, and subsequently urinary tract infection (UTI) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). In this study, we estimate the prevalence of self-reported UTI and BV among indigenous adolescent girls during the water scarcity period in the Bandarban Hill Districts in south-eastern Bangladesh. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 242 indigenous adolescent girls were selected and interviewed during the seasonal water scarcity period (from February to May 2022) in Bandarban. The difference in prevalence of any self-reported UTI or BV symptoms by respondents' characteristics was assessed by χ 2 test. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to observe the associated factors. The prevalence of self-reported UTI, BV, and any symptoms of UTI or BV among the respondents were 35.54%, 28.93%, and 43.80%, respectively. Ethnicity, studentship status, source of water used for menstrual hygiene, and perceived water quality were significantly associated with the prevalence of any self-reported UTI or BV symptoms. Findings recommend further research to cross-check the validity of self-reported prevalence and investigate if the episodes of UTI or BV could be attributable to water scarcity and poor water quality in study areas during dry period.

Water quality and sustainable solutions for drinking water supply in the Taquari-Antas watershed, RS, Brazil

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of sustainable development. This study is conducted in the context of the Taquari-Antas Hydrographic Basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and assesses the quality of drinking water in 101 rural properties, focusing on identifying problems of potability, especially regarding excessive fluoride concentration, which is a known problem for the water in this region. The study involves the collection of water samples from rural properties, a survey to understand water use and quality perception by users, and water quality analysis using established analytical methodologies. Results show that 58.4% of the investigated rural properties have potability issues, with excessive fluoride being the most prevalent concern, affecting 39.6% of properties. High fluoride levels have significant health implications, including dental and skeletal fluorosis, with global relevance. To address this issue, activated bone charcoal filtration systems were installed in ten properties, effectively reducing fluoride concentrations to within acceptable limits for human consumption. These defluoridation systems are characterized as sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable, offering a practical solution for regions facing similar challenges. Keywords: groundwater, rural properties, water stewardship.

The role of environmental knowledge, policies and regulations toward water resource management: A mediated‐moderation of attitudes, perception, and sustainable consumption patterns

AbstractWater is the lifeblood of our Earth, and sustainable water consumption is the key to preserving this scarce resource for future generations and upholding environmental sustainability. In this study, we investigate the relationship between environmental knowledge (EK), environmental policies and regulations (EPR), attitudes toward water resource management programs (APWRMP), perceived water quality (PWQ), and sustainable consumption (SC), enriching the existing literature by integrating the theoretical framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) alongside water management program (WMP) concepts. This integration forms a comprehensive model clarifying the influences on SC. Furthermore, this study investigates these relationships within the specific context of select regions in China, addressing a geographical gap in the current literature. With a sample size of (N = 336) participants, we employ partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to explore the complex relationships within the proposed model. The finding confirms the hypothesized associations, validating the substantial positive impact of EK and EPR on APWRMP and SC. Additionally, we observe that PWQ notably strengthens the link between the perception and attitude of villagers toward SC of water. Our study explains the multifaceted dynamics underlying individuals' behavior and attitude in making decisions concerning sustainable water consumption.

Drinking water quality in Cooch Behar Municipality, West Bengal, India: Assessment using WQI and public perception

AbstractEffective assessment and management of groundwater quality are essential for safeguarding the integrity of freshwater resources. Cooch Behar Municipality of West Bengal has been chosen for the present study due to its reliance primarily on groundwater for drinking water. The study focuses on assessing groundwater quality in the study area, a planned city with a long history of urbanization. The primary objective is to analyze various parameters relevant to drinking water and compute the Water Quality Index (WQI) with the residents' perception. Forty water samples were collected from Cooch Behar Municipality's Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, encompassing all 20 wards. Each ward provided one sample from a Deep Tube Well (DTW) and a Shallow Tube Well (STW). EC, Fe, TH, Mn, pH, TDS, Turbidity, Ca, and Mg levels were determined using standard instruments and methods, and analyzed geospatial techniques and statistical methods were employed. Results revealed concerning levels of manganese (Mn) and total hardness (TH), exceeding permissible limits in 82.5% and 75% of samples, respectively. While some parameters remained within acceptable limits, computed WQI values ranged from 63.28 to 162.67, indicating significant overall water quality concerns. Alarmingly, 45% of samples were unsuitable for drinking, with an additional 40% classified as very poor. Notably, demographic factors such as household income and education level correlated with perceptions of poor water quality. Policy implications suggest the urgent need for a well‐structured management system to address these findings and ensure safe drinking water for residents.

Flowing perceptions: Exploring secondary students’ perceptions of water

Adolescents’ (i.e., high school students) opinions and preferences are important and less likely to be influenced by political and social norms, especially considering natural resource and climate related issues. Therefore, this study sought to identify and understand the perceptions of secondary students related to water issues and conservation practices utilizing a non-experimental survey research design. The majority (53.8%) of Oklahoma secondary students participating in this study believed water was of concern in the state. The primary water issues affecting Oklahoma according to secondary students (n = 93) were clean drinking water, water for agriculture, water for aquatic habitats, wastewater treatment improvement, and water quality monitoring to detect pollution improvement. Students’ perceptions of water quantity and quality varied across groups based on their primary source of drinking water (i.e., Private Supply, Bottled Water, Municipal Public Supply, or Rural Public Supply). It is imperative for water-related curriculum to be developed for delivery in secondary classrooms across the state. Future research should consider the perceptions of students nationwide related to water and natural resource conservation.

Beachgoers' responses to beach health advisories.

Drawing on responses from 238 beachgoers who have visited a Georgia (U.S. state) beach in the past three years, this study asks respondents about their knowledge of beach water quality monitoring, awareness of beach health advisories, perception of water quality, and expected responses upon learning of a beach's water pollution advisory. Binomial logistic regression finds that the only demographic predictor of respondents who would completely stop visiting a beach with an advisory is whether the respondent is a visitor or resident (year-round or part-time). Nearly 40% of visitors would not come to a beach with an advisory compared to 13.4% of residents. Most respondents report they would continue to visit a beach but would stay out of the water and stop harvesting seafood from the beach's waters. More than a third (36.1%), however, are unaware Georgia regularly monitors beach water for water quality, and 41.2% have never read a beach sign warning of contaminated water or seafood. Alarmingly, just over half view aesthetic factors such as no litter, no odor, and clear water as criteria for defining whether beach water is safe.

Water quality indexes and water quality population perception in a rural area in Ecuador

Abstract This studỳs aim was to evaluate the quality of water for human consumption in a rural area of Ecuador. For this purpose, two water quality indexes were used: the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Simplified Water Quality Index (SWQI). Sampling campaigns were carried out during the years 2018 and 2019, and 18 parameters were analyzed, including pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, color, phosphates, nitrites, nitrates, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, turbidity, methylene blue active substances, fats and oils, total coliforms, ammonia, nitrogen, and fecal coliforms. The WQI and the SWQI yielded values between 79.80 and 81.31 (2018) and between 76.99 and 79.89 (2019), respectively. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to implement water management recommendations. The perception of water quality was assessed through a survey of the population. This study contributes to recommending a proposal for the adoption of a WQI in Ecuador. The obtained results indicate that the water in the studied area needs the conventional treatment to achieve adequate quality for human consumption.

Bottled Water Consumption and Perceptions of Household Water Quality: An Intra-Urban Analysis of Greensboro, North Carolina

Perceived household water quality can affect decision-making about bottled water consumption, an issue of environmental justice. Residents who do not trust the quality of their tap water may drink bottled water as an alternative, but people also choose to drink bottled water for other reasons, such as taste or convenience. This study examines patterns of bottled water consumption and perceptions of tap water quality across neighborhoods of Greensboro, North Carolina, with differing income levels. Household surveys were used to investigate residents’ consumption of bottled water and tap water and their stated reasons for consuming bottled water. Results indicate that respondents in low-income neighborhoods report drinking significantly (p=0.001) more bottled water than respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. Concerns about the safety of tap water were a significantly (p=0.00005) more important reason for respondents in low- income neighborhoods to choose bottled water compared to respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that intra-urban differences in perceptions of household water quality are a major environmental justice issue in that concerns about safety drive low-income residents to spend their limited income on bottled water.

Household water bill perception in Brazil

An issue that affects the effectiveness of water pricing policies is consumer misperception, which implies that households decide their water consumption based on poor/inaccurate information about the marginal price. We use household survey data on bill and quality perception in Brazil to analyze this problem and its drivers. Once we control for the selection bias caused by survey respondents voluntarily providing their bill, we find evidence of Bill misperception. Apart from the informational and socioeconomic drivers usually considered in the literature, perceived water quality is a relevant factor in misperception.

Boil water notices as health-risk communication: risk perceptions, efficacy, and compliance during winter storm Uri

Winter Storm Uri was a disaster that impacted much of the United States during February of 2021. During and after the storm, Texas and Oklahoma experienced massive power grid failures. This led to cascading impacts, including water system disruptions and many boil water notices (BWNs). The breakdown of some communication channels and the inability to enact protective actions due to power outages, as well as travel limitations on public roads, complicated the dissemination and implementation of notifications. This research examined individuals’ perceptions of risk, water quality, and BWNs during Uri. Additionally, this study sought to understand if previous experience with a BWN influenced compliance during Uri and how perceived efficacy impacted these variables. Surveying 893 Texans and Oklahomans revealed that most Uri-affected respondents believed the risks associated with BWNs were severe. Income and race were two factors that influenced BWN compliance. Age, gender, and level of education did not influence compliance. Previous experience with BWNs did not increase risk perceptions. Higher levels of perceived efficacy correlated to higher levels of compliance, perceptions of risk, and water quality, much of which support propositions of the Extended Parallel Process Model. Results suggest that pre-disaster planning and communication are imperative to helping reduce risk(s) and enhancing efficacy during a disaster, especially for novel disasters that have cascading risks, like Winter Storm Uri.

Public Perceptions of Water Quality in the Lake Bunyonyi Sub-Catchment, Western Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi ecosystem plays vital roles in water resource conservancy and tourism. Nevertheless, the rapid increase in human population and the unrelenting human activities are threatening the values, functions, and ecological integrity of the lake. In this study, the public perceptions of drinking water quality and its health implications in the Lake Bunyonyi Sub-catchment, Western Uganda are presented. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 267 respondents living within one Kilometre away from the lake shores. Besides, observation and interview methods were used to complement data collected by the questionnaire method. Results indicate that the prominent activities around the lake are peasantry and small-scale businesses attributed to soil fertility and rural tourism. Despite the lake being a popular source of drinking water in the sub-catchment, the quality of its water suffers from diffuse pollution and little has been done to avert it. This study recommends regular surveillance and water quality testing to increase people’s awareness of water quality. Besides, the local authorities should train people the alternative environmentally-friendly farming practices like afforestation with correct tree species and agro-forestry practices to increase vegetation cover and reduce soil erosion debris washed into the lake system. Environmental-friendly household water treatment methods (biosand filtration and solar disinfection) should be promoted to improve the quality of drinking water.

Urban river restoration in Hong Kong: Assessment, impact, and improvement strategies

River restoration or improvement is widely practiced in cities around the world to promote sustainable urban development. However, post-project evaluation is not commonly performed, and even less evaluated is the social impacts of river restoration. Based on three recently restored river channels in Hong Kong, this study evaluated water quality, biodiversity, and societal perceptions of such projects. Focus was placed on perceptions, assessments, and improvement suggestions from 295 surveyed and interviewed respondents. Results show that the effects of river restoration on water quality were mixed—depending on restoration techniques and site conditions. Restored river sections generally had higher biodiversity as compared to unrestored ones. The restored river sections positively influenced the respondents’ visiting behaviors. The respondents at low-density sites generally reported more positive perceptions and higher ratings on the restoration projects than those at the population-density site. Data analysis shows that respondents’ emotional quality was significantly and positively related to biodiversity, visual attractiveness, air freshness, and auditory environment of the sites. The respondents also provided valuable recommendations on the importance of factors to be considered in the planning and design of river restoration, desired facilities, and decision process. The findings and recommendations are expected to help improve future river restoration in compact cities.

Unravelling and understanding local perceptions of water quality in the Santa basin, Peru

Water quality is an integral part of water security. Measuring the physico-chemical indicators for water quality can provide an objective picture of water health, but it does not provide information on lived experiences related to water quality, expectations of water resources, nor how the quality of water affects its usage. Perceptual information and traditional ecological knowledge on water quality can help to understand interactions between water and people, and thereby support locally appropriate sustainable water resource strategies. Accordingly, our project sought to collect and synthesise insights from local perspectives on water quality in the upper Santa River basin, Peru, a region where water quality directly relates to people’s livelihoods. Perceptual data was collected via the Nuestro Rio mobile app (N = 149) as well as walking interviews (n = 84) (July-August 2021) in two main study areas, Olleros and Catac. We find that water quality perspectives differ within, and between, study areas and communities, however four overarching themes were identified, and are explored here: i) environmental indicators for water quality; ii) water uses; and iii) perceived causes of water quality; iv) water quality perceptions behind emotions. Most rural participants felt the main cause of poor water quality was mineral pollution, likely linked to local geology, however we also found that local perceptions of water quality depend on water usage, directly linked to domestic water use and agricultural livelihoods. Qualitative data highlighted the complex relationships between water quality, perceptions and emotions. More inclusive citizen-based science that considers what people observe, think and feel about the quality of their rivers can help provide a much deeper contextual understanding of dynamic human-water systems, with further benefits for improving water management and policy implementation.

Groundwater Use Habits and Environmental Awareness in Ca Mau Province, Vietnam: Implications for Sustainable Water Resource Management

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta including Ca Mau province (CMP) is seriously affected by land subsidence. Groundwater over-extraction is considered to be a major driver for this process. To address the reduction of groundwater (GW) extraction as a potential counter measure for further subsidence, this study focuses on understanding the importance of GW in people's life and water using habits as well as their awareness with current environmental problems in Ca Mau. Therefore, GW sampling campaigns and surveys were conducted in all 9 districts of Ca Mau province in 2019 and 2020. The analyzed water samples showed a connection with information from questionnaires and created a general picture of water using habits. GW plays an important role in people's lives, it is used for washing, cooking, drinking and other activities. People use GW for different purposes depending on their perception of water quality. For important and direct health related purposes, such as cooking or drinking, people prepare to treat water more carefully or choose another alternative water resource. The analytical approach to evaluation results based on viewpoints from general to detail helped to dig deeper into people's stories to explain research results with their behavior in each situation. When people are dependent on GW and have no option to use alternative water resources, the importance level of GW in their life increases and their awareness of GW over-extraction becomes less. If people have another water source to use such as tap water (TW), habits of using GW change. This opens up the idea that a potential alternative water will reduce the dependence of people on GW and protect GW from over-exploitation. Besides, people in Ca Mau do not have much awareness of land subsidence or the reason leading to environmental problems. Therefore, raising the awareness of people by well-design education campaigns should be strongly considered.