| The consumption patterns and public perception of drinking water in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada were investigated. A telephone survey of 1,757 randomly selected residents was conducted from September 2001 to February 2002 to collect data on drinking water consumption, including the amount consumed daily, the location of consumption, and the use of bottled water and in-home water treatment devices. The median, per-capita, daily consumption was 1.0 litre, although responses were highly variable (0 to 8.0L). Bottled water represented the primary source of drinking water for 27% of respondents. Approximately 49% of households used in-home treatment devices. Data from this survey were used to evaluate three common surrogate measures of waterborne contaminant exposure; measures of home water source provided good classification of residents on municipal water systems (98% predictive value), but performed poorly in classifying those on private systems (61-66% predictive value). Home water source was a poor surrogate measure of the drinking water source(s). The high use of alternative water in this population prompted an examination of the perceptions of drinking water among residents served by private and municipal water supplies. Focus groups conducted in September 2003 provided insight into participants' perceptions and self-identified need for more drinking water information, and helped to inform the content of two questionnaires. Postal surveys were conducted (May-July 2004) to investigate the public's perceptions on a larger scale. Concerns with municipal water included a perceived decline in government funding and potential for waterborne disease and contamination. Concerns with private water supplies included bacterial and chemical contamination from agricultural sources and building development. Testing of private water supplies was performed infrequently; 8% of respondents tested at a frequency that met provincial guidelines. Barriers included inconvenience, previous acceptable test results, complacency and lack of knowledge. Alternative water sources were perceived to have increased safety and aesthetic quality compared to tap water; convenience also contributed to bottled water use. Residents wanted more drinking water information and preferred dissemination routes included flyers, water bills and newspapers. The results of this thesis could help public health officials, water utilities and policy-makers to more effectively serve their public. |
