More than half of Americans say they have concerns about the quality of their water as more people become educated about specific contaminants and take action in their homes.
These are findings from an independent survey released today at WQA Aquatech USA. The random sample survey, conducted by Applied Research-West Inc., offers a look into Americans' evolving attitude about their water, especially when compared to previous polls.
Among the major findings:
• A quarter of consumers are "extremely concerned" about the quality of their water supply, and only 45% say they are confident their water source poses no health risk; • A majority of consumers now are willing to pay more for the elimination of contaminants such as pharmaceuticals. In previous surveys, less than 50% expressed this opinion; and • Nearly a quarter of consumers say they have primary responsibility in their home for quality water, up from 20% in 2008.The survey showed that 39% of respondents said that they believed federal drinking water quality laws are "fair."
Nineteen percent of respondents were exposed to boil water alerts, prompting them to purchase a water filtration device. Typically they purchased a water filter pitcher or end-of-tap device. More than half of those exposed to boil water alerts purchased home filtration devices afterward, higher than the 38% who said they did so in 2008.
Americans seem to increasingly believe that responsibility for safe drinking water is a public/private partnership.
Regarding overall quality, 49% of respondents indicated that they are concerned or very concerned about their household water supply. Further, 54% are concerned about health contaminants in tap water, and 42% said that drinking water is not as safe as it should be.
Source: PR Newswire
