Determinants of tap water mistrust among Phoenix, Arizona Latinx adults

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize factors that predict tap water mistrust among Phoenix, Arizona Latinx adults. Partici-pants (n = 492, 28 +/- 7 years, 37.4% female) completed water security experience-based scales and an Adapted Survey of Water Issues in Arizona. Binary logistic regression determined odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the odds of perceiving tap water to be unsafe. Of all participants, 51.2% perceived their tap water to be unsafe. The odds of mistrusting tap water were significantly greater for each additional favorable perception of bottled compared to tap water (e.g., tastes/smells better; OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.50, 2.50), negative home tap water experience (e.g., hard water mineral deposits and rusty color; OR =1.32, 95% CI =1.12, 1.56), and use of alternatives to home tap water (OR =1.25, 95% CI =1.04, 1.51), and with decreased water quality and acceptability (OR =1.21, 95% CI =1.01, 1.45; P < 0.05). The odds of mistrusting tap water were significantly lower for those whose primary source of drinking water is the public supply (municipal) (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.63) and with decreased water access (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.66; P < 0.05). Latinx mis-trust of tap water appears to be associated with organoleptic perceptions and reliance on alternatives to the home drinking water system.

Automated summary

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the factors that contribute to tap water mistrust among Latinx adults in Phoenix, Arizona. The study found that 51.2% of participants perceived their tap water to be unsafe. Factors such as preferring bottled water, negative experiences with home tap water, use of alternatives to tap water, and decreased water quality and acceptability were associated with higher levels of mistrust. On the other hand, relying on public water supply and having better water access were associated with lower levels of mistrust.