Beliefs and Practices Regarding Raw Water While Hiking and Camping-PN View 360+ Survey, United States

Ingesting raw water can cause illness. This study aimed to (1) assess beliefs about raw water and water practices among US adults while hiking or camping and (2) identify differences among demographic groups in those beliefs and practices.

In fall 2021, Porter Novelli Public Services and ENGINE Insights administered the PN View 360+ survey (N = 1004 US panel members aged ≥18 y), which was weighted to be representative of the US population by sex, age, region, race and ethnicity, and education. We analyzed data on 4 survey questions using Wald χ² tests and post hoc Wald F tests to compare subgroups for demographic variables with ≥3 levels.

A significantly greater percentage of men (vs women) and respondents aged ≤34 years (vs ≥35 y) agreed or strongly agreed that raw water is safe to drink (59% vs 41%; 40% vs 12%-30%, respectively), contains probiotics (62% vs 38%; 49% vs 6%-30%), and is regulated by a federal agency (60% vs 40%; 43% vs 12%-29%). Among respondents (166 of 958; 17%) who reported drinking raw water in the past year, a significantly greater percentage were men than women (60% vs 40%), non-Hispanic than Hispanic (77% vs 23%), or aged ≤34 years than ≥35 years (41% vs 22%-26%).

These results can inform communication materials to reduce the consequences of ingesting insufficiently treated raw water. Clear messaging and educational campaigns could improve public knowledge and help health care providers communicate recommendations.