Study: Self-reported expected harm from drinking water in 141 countriesPhoto credit: luchschenF / Shutterstock

More than half of adults in 141 countries fear that their drinking water could be damaged within the next two years. Perceptions of these factors are influenced by gender, urbanization, financial hardship, education and trust in public administration.

In a study recently published in the journal Nature communicationResearchers used survey data from the World Risk Poll to examine perceptions of drinking water safety in 141 countries.

Their findings show that more than half of the world’s population fears serious harm from drinking water within the next two years, underscoring the need for greater confidence in water security and governance to ensure sustainable management of water resources.

background

Water crises are a widespread problem that negatively impacts agriculture, the economy, regional stability and human health. However, the impacts of water quality on society and health are less well understood.

Global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have identified this gap as a worldwide obstacle in assessing water security. Most decisions about water use are based on personal perceptions and experiences, as objective data on water security are often lacking.

Even when water is considered “safely managed,” it can become contaminated during transport or storage. Current global water indicators do not fully capture all risks. This means that people’s perceptions of water safety can be as important as quality.

These perceptions influence behaviors such as avoiding tap water and opting for bottled water, which can have negative health and sustainability implications. Understanding and measuring people’s perceptions of water safety could help improve water management and ensure safer water for all.

About the study

The aim of the study was to understand the prevalence and causes of perceived risks associated with alcohol consumption worldwide using data from a global survey with responses from over 154,000 participants.

Participants were asked whether they had experienced or feared harm from drinking water. Data were collected through telephone and face-to-face interviews to ensure representation from different regions. Ethical protocols were followed and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

The study examined various factors that influence these perceptions, including country-level indicators such as water quality, national income and corruption levels, as well as individual-level characteristics such as gender, education and household location.

Statistical models were used to examine the relationships between these factors and perceived drinking water risks. The researchers weighted the data to ensure national representativeness and conducted several analyses to identify the most important predictors of perceived water safety concerns.

The study used robust statistical techniques to account for uncertainties and differences between countries, providing insights into how different factors influence people’s perceptions of drinking water risks around the world.

Results

The study analyzed data from 141 countries to understand people’s experiences and fears regarding drinking water safety.

About 14.3% of respondents said they had experienced negative effects after drinking water in the last two years or knew someone who had. The figures vary greatly from country to country. In addition, more than half of respondents (52.3%) feared that drinking water would harm them in the next two years.

The study found that these concerns were not directly related to the physical availability of water or its level of pollution, but were influenced by other factors.

The most important predictors of expected harm included previous experience with harm, the percentage of deaths attributable to contaminated water, the economic situation of the country, and the level of corruption in public administration. Higher perceived corruption was closely associated with greater fear of future harm from drinking water.

Individual factors such as gender, income, education level and urban or rural residence also played a role: women, urban dwellers, people with financial difficulties and better educated people generally expressed greater concerns about water safety.

These findings underscore the complex interplay of factors that influence public perceptions of water security worldwide.

Conclusions

According to the study, more than half of the world’s population fears harm related to drinking water in the next two years, revealing a widespread concern that does not always correspond with actual water quality or income levels.

These perceptions are influenced by past experiences, public sector corruption and trust in government institutions. The study highlights the importance of addressing these concerns to increase public confidence in water security.

The strength of the study lies in its large, diverse sample, which provides insights into water-related fears around the world. However, its reliance on self-reported data and inability to capture long-term trends are significant limitations. In addition, perceptions of harm may be influenced by factors unrelated to water, such as air pollution.

Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track changes in perceptions and examine the influence of private sector corruption on water security concerns.

To promote global water security, tailored measures that respond to the specific needs of populations are crucial, such as improving transparency, ensuring equitable access to clean water and strengthening trust in water supplies.