The gap between tap water beliefs and preference for drinking from the tap: a cross-sectional study in Virginia, USA

Half of people living in the USA do not consume tap water. Surveys have assessed perceptions of water and water utilities, but less is known about how these perceptions relate to the preference for tap or bottled water. The present analysis examined whether beliefs about tap water and the water utility were associated with drinking water preferences.

In a cross-sectional survey, six water beliefs were measured: trust in tap water, the water utility, and the local government; perceived safety and quality of tap water; and awareness that the water utility frequently tests tap water. Regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics were used to estimate the odds of preferring tap over bottled water dependent on respondents' beliefs about their tap water.

Virginia, USA.

Adults aged 18 years and older (n 808).

More than two-thirds of respondents had positive beliefs about their tap water, but only 54 % reported tap as their preferred drinking water source. All water beliefs, except for awareness of the frequency of water testing, were associated with higher odds of preferring tap water over bottled (adjusted OR range: 1·56-3·2).

Our findings suggest that favourable tap water beliefs may be necessary, but not sufficient, to motivate people to drink from the tap. There remains a critical need for future research to bridge the gap between tap water perceptions and consumption, which should include enhancing the trustworthiness of tap water and the water utility as well as improving consumers' perceptions of water quality and safety.