Community Perception vs. Biochemical Confirmation: A Mixed-Methods Study on Water Quality From South India

Ramya, Nagesh; Reddy, Mahendra M; Kamath, Prasanna

doi:10.7759/cureus.19104

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…Community members are the primary beneficiaries of quality and safe water and they are the first to experience the consequences of the deteriorating water quality when known or suspected to be unsafe for human consumption due to regulatory problems and lack of support [11]. They evaluate the safety and quality of drinking water using its organoleptic properties like taste, smell, colour and clarity as well as presence of litter and sanitary conditions around the drinking water source [12]. These perceptions are however useful and help to complement scientific measurements hence supporting water management policies [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These perceptions are however useful and help to complement scientific measurements hence supporting water management policies [13]. Community participation in water and sanitation is one of the prominent global indicators used to assess the achievement of water-related sustainable developmental goals [12]. In addition, public acceptability of drinking water is one of the world health organization guidelines for drinking water quality [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Community perceptions and practices on quality and safety of drinking water in Mbarara city, south western Uganda

et al. 2023

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Availability of clean drinking water is a universal human right. The quality of water differs across communities. When the quality is good, community members are the primary beneficiaries but they are also the first ones to experience the consequences of deteriorating quality of water. In most communities, the inhabitants are able to tell if their drinking water is safe and of quality basing on organoleptic properties. The community perceptions and practices about safety and quality of drinking water are informed by their attitudes and levels of knowledge about water quality. This study aimed to assess community perceptions and practices on quality and safety of drinking water in Mbarara city, south western Uganda. A qualitative study was conducted between May and July 2022. Six focus group discussions among community members and four Key informant interviews with stakeholders in the water service were conducted. Data was analysed basing on predetermined themes of: 1) perceived quality of water 2) perceived factors associated with water quality 3) practices related to water quality and 4) perceived solutions for improving water safety and quality. Drinking water safety and quality in Mbarara city is perceived as not good, dirty, salty and limited in supply and the water sources are shared with animals. The poor quality of drinking water is due to poor waste disposal, poor treatment, poor maintenance of systems, flooding, political interference, deficiency in city planning, increase in population growth and water hyacinth. Sensitizing the communities, community participation, proper water treatment and surveillance and monitoring are solutions to ensuring provision, use and maintenance of safe and quality drinking water in Mbarara city.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%