Perceptions of water quality, and current and future water consumption of residents in the central business district of Yangon city Myanmar. Issue 1 (2nd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ko, Shane Htet; Sakai, Hiroshi
• Is Part Of: Water Supply. Volume 22:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 1094
• Page End: 1106
• Publication Date: 2021-07-02
• Subjects: billing method -- bottled water -- education -- family size -- household treatment -- tap water
• DOI: 10.2166/ws.2021.212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1606-9749

Abstract

Abstract: Public water supply services in Yangon started in 1842, however the practice of drinking tap water has been uncommon until this moment. Currently, Yangon city development committee is upgrading the tap water system in accordance with the greater Yangon water supply improvement project. It is important to know the perceptual driving factors affecting the decision to drink in order to effectively improve the public acceptance of tap water. In this study, household water management practices and their influencing factors for Yangon city residents are revealed through questionnaires. Residence time in Yangon city is significantly associated with water consumption behaviour. Decisions for drinking come from organoleptic perception rather than important safety considerations. The future consumption of tap water is influenced by income and perception of overall quality. Preferred billing method is associated with education, family size, income and willingness to spend more for better quality water. HIGHLIGHTS: Study conducted in a developing country with 178-year-old public tap water system. Decision for consumption based on organoleptic perception rather than safety parameters. Familiarity is important, regardless of quality. Income and perception play important roles for future consumption. Graphical Abstract