Factors associated with drinking and being satisfied with tap water in Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have described concerns regarding tap water in Indigenous communities, yet there is little information on participants who report drinking their tap water and being satisfied with its quality. This study undertaken with members of 8 Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada, and identified factors associated with both the decision to drink tap water at home and being satisfied with its quality. We examined the importance of factors such as individual attributes, experiences, attitudes, household and community-based variables. Less than one-quarter of participants (23.4%) drank tap water and were satisfied with its quality. Individuals who did not boil tap water (odds ratio [OR] = 5.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68–19.8), those who did not experience tap water odour (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.26–4.50) and participants living in communities away from urban centres (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.63–4.51) were more likely to drink and be satisfied with their tap water. Concerns about the environment had the most impact on community members aged 55+ years. Those not reporting concerns about environmental problems affecting water (OR = 11.4, 95% CI = 3.10–42.2) were much more likely to drink and be satisfied with their tap water. Programmes to improve water quality, reduce the need for boil water advisories and increase community confidence in the environment could improve tap water satisfaction and consumption.

KEYWORDS:

• Drinking water
• tap water satisfaction
• Indigenous
• Saskatchewan
• tap water quality

Acknowledgements

We sincerely acknowledge the residents of the Indigenous communities who partnered with us in this research, as well as the critical contribution of community members who administered the questionnaires in each of the participating communities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Geolocation information

This study was conducted in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Specific information about participating communities cannot be provided due to confidentiality requirements.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research under grant #2010-11-08 and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.