Closing the Gap: the need to consider perceptions about drinking water in rural Aboriginal communities in NSW, Australia

Abstract

A crucial objective of the Australian Government's Closing the Gap program is to improve Aboriginal health, and to achieve morbidity and mortality rates similar to those for non-Indigenous Australians. Reducing public health risks due to drinking water of unknown quality will help to close the gap.Factors such as hardness, taste, colour and odour of water may influence perceptions of risk and quality. Increased contact and familiarity with a hazard is associated with individuals becoming desensitised and habituated to its presence, so that their risk judgements may reflect their behavioural experiences. Consumption of water of unknown quality, such as rainwater, instead of treated town water in Australian Aboriginal communities may be a community norm, a part of a community's culture or a result of lack of trust in government water suppliers.Partnerships between service providers and communities can ensure that the service is responsive to community needs, is conducted in a culturally appropriate manner and is beneficial to the community. Governance of drinking water in Aboriginal communities cannot be comprehensive without active engagement of the communities involved, and greater understanding of cultural issues, perceptions and behaviours towards drinking water quality. This Perspective article reviews the literature to shed light on the need to consider New South Wales (NSW) Aboriginal perceptions about drinking water and its acceptability. We urge more dialogue and research, and a policy focus that includes partnerships with discrete NSW Aboriginal communities to develop a deeper understanding of perceptions of drinking water and encourage consumption of safe water.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Indigenous Australian children aged 0–3 years and association with sociodemographic, life circumstances and health factors

“…In the focus group, RAOs raised concerns about water quality in many regional and remote settings, citing problems such as yellow bore water, high levels of lead in water and 'poisoned' water (such as contamination with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Katherine, Northern Territory (50) ). Previous research suggests that tap water is perceived as 'unhealthy' in some settings (51) , including due to a history of water quality problems (49) . RAOs explained that, when concerned about water taste or safety, many people avoid drinking tap water and buy bottled water or other beverages; when bottled water is the same price as SSB, people may opt for SSB.…”

Working With an Aboriginal Community to Understand Drinking Water Perceptions and Acceptance in Rural New South Wales

“…Supplying town water to Aboriginal communities without acknowledging and appreciating the unique socioeconomic, cultural, and historical context and values may be futile (Baird et al, 2013;Jaravani, Massey, Judd, Allan, & Allan, 2016). Negative community perceptions and concerns about the safety of supplied drinking water may be a proxy for concerns and experiences of racism and cultural safety (Dupont et al, 2010).…”

Peer Review #3 of "Drinking water and rural schools in the Western Amazon: an environmental intervention study (v0.2)"

“…The need for access to drinking water and sanitation is a public health issue (Jaravani et al, 2016), since its unavailability increases incidence of infectious diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid fever, among others (Ecosoc, 2017).…”