Community-Based Policies and Support for Free Drinking Water Access in Outdoor Areas and Building Standards in U.S. Municipalities

Abstract

We examined community-level characteristics associated with free drinking water access policies in U.S. municipalities using data from a nationally representative survey of city managers/officials from 2,029 local governments in 2014. Outcomes were 4 free drinking water access policies. Explanatory measures were population size, rural/urban status, census region, poverty prevalence, education, and racial/ethnic composition. We used multivariable logistic regression to test differences and presented only significant findings. Many (56.3%) local governments had at least one community plan with a written objective to provide free drinking water in outdoor areas; municipalities in the Northeast and South regions and municipalities with ≤ 50% of non-Hispanic whites were less likely and municipalities with larger population size were more likely to have a plan. About 59% had polices/budget provisions for free drinking water in parks/outdoor recreation areas; municipalities in the Northeast and South regions were less likely and municipalities with larger population size were more likely to have it. Only 9.3% provided development incentives for placing drinking fountains in outdoor, publicly accessible areas; municipalities with larger population size were more likely to have it. Only 7.7% had a municipal plumbing code with a drinking fountain standard that differed from the statewide plumbing code; municipalities with a lower proportion of non-Hispanic whites were more likely to have it. In conclusion, over half of municipalities had written plans or a provision for providing free drinking water in parks, but providing development incentives or having a local plumbing code provision were rare.

Public Health Representation on Active Transportation Bodies Across US Municipalities

“…Sampling was stratified to create a nationally representative sample of municipalities (4484 municipalities from all 50 states), and participating municipalities were each assigned sample weights. Additional information regarding the sample design and weighting has been previously published 15–19…”

“…Additional information regarding the sample design and weighting has been previously published. [15][16][17][18][19] The primary respondent for the survey was the city or town manager, planner, or person with similar responsibilities. Respondents were encouraged to ask for assistance in completing the survey if needed from other municipal officials such as a tax office or procurement department representative, a parks and recreational department representative, or a human resources representative.…”