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AWWA ACE54501
- Vulnerable Subpopulations' Perceptions and Use of Drinking Water
- Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 06/01/2001
- Publisher: AWWA
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Little is known about susceptible subpopulations' drinking water views and practices, although these groups may be at increased risk for adverse health outcomes from contaminants in tap water. The authors studied selected subgroups of potentially vulnerable people living in the Washington, DC, area. Fourteen focus groups of 107 people were convened, including people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, Crohn's disease, kidney disease, pregnant women, mothers of young children, the elderly, and the general population for comparison. Over 25% of the vulnerable subgroup participants and 37% in the general population groups reported using water directly from the tap at home. More people said they used tap water to make coffee, tea, juice, and soups. Up to 45% of the subgroups and 75% of the general population reported using tap water outside of the home. Dialysis and female HIV/AIDS patients reported the most vigilance in avoiding tap water at all locations. One-third or less of each group, except about half of the elderly, reported viewing tap water as "safe". Seniors were the least likely, and the HIV/AIDS patients were the most likely, to say that tap water could affect their health. Many participants reported concerns (primarily taste and smell) about tap water and some linked their concerns to the water supply pipes. When the groups were asked what they would do if they had a concern about their water, the first choice of all vulnerable subgroups except the elderly was to install a filter. The second choice of young women was to use bottled water, while the sick said they would boil their water. Some people said they let the water run to eliminate impurities. Most people said they would like more information about their water and that the government should provide information about it. There are notable variations among and between susceptible subpopulations' views and practices, many of which are motivated by incorrect knowledge, esthetics, and health issues. Whatever their level of knowledge, potentially vulnerable people view tap water as safe enough to take what they see as negligible risks by using it occasionally or routinely. Includes 19 references, table.
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