AWWA JAW64703

Water providers face difficult decisions when compliancewith regulatory standards does not satisfy publicdemands for improved water quality. This studyexamined a community's response to a system upgradewith respect to perceptions of water quality, use ofhousehold water treatment, and purchase of bottledwater. Economic implications were also investigated,including the comprehensive community benefits accruingto improved treatment.Information was obtained by surveying 590 residentsin Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1997-98 before asubstantial system upgrade was implemented, and 714residents in 2004 after the upgrade had been in placefor several years. Results showed that the communityresponse included meaningful increased satisfactionwith municipal water quality and that overall communitycosts for drinking water were not increased.Increased municipal costs were offset by reducedreliance on more expensive alternative supplies ofdrinking water. The data and conclusions presentedshould help other utilities weighing the costs and benefitsof upgrades to their systems. Includes 25 references, tables, figure.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 99 - No. 5

Published:

05/01/2007

Number of Pages:

10

File Size:

1 file , 330 KB