Drinking Water Quality Perception Survey in the SIUE Community

Abstract

Water quality perception is borne out of various factors, which include taste, risk perception, water chemical and microbial parameters, trust in supplier, among others. This study addressed some of the factors that influence drinking water quality perception in the SIUE community for tap and bottled water. This was done through a survey that was delivered to the students, faculty, administration, staff, and alumni members of the university; a link to the online survey was provided via the school email, and a total number of 779 respondents participated in the survey. Some of the variables used in this study are based on general concern for taste, cost, water-chemicals (such as lead), drinking water behavior as well as demographic variables such as age, knowledge level and ethnicity. This study is based on data received from the survey conducted of the SIUE population for undergraduates, graduates, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni. Data were analyzed using several statistical methods including Spearman rank correlation coefficient and Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicated that age and ethnicity have a significant impact on water quality perception. Drinking water behavior, age, and knowledge are well correlated in this study; therefore, they were not able to be separated.