How are perceptions associated with water consumption in Canadian Inuit? A cross-sectional survey in Rigolet,...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Community Health
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• Inuit communities in northern Canada face drinking water quality challenges.
• Concerns about municipal tap water safety and aesthetics impact consumption.
• Understanding water use is crucial for public health in Rigolet.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe perceptions of municipal tap water in Rigolet.
• Examine changes in water source use after a potable water dispensing unit (PWDU) installation.
• Identify factors associated with water consumption patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from cross-sectional census surveys (2012-2014).
• Employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for perception data aggregation.
• Applied logistic regressions to identify factors linked to water consumption.

Main Results:

• Three-quarters of residents used the PWDU post-installation, reducing bottled, tap, and brook water consumption.
• Negative tap water perceptions correlated with lower tap water consumption.
• Women showed higher odds of consuming purchased water; brook water use and unemployment were linked to higher daily consumption (>2L).

Conclusions:

• PWDU installation significantly altered water consumption patterns in Rigolet.
• Water perceptions, gender, and socioeconomic factors influence water choices.
• Findings can inform targeted drinking water interventions and public health strategies for Indigenous communities.