Trust in Sources of Information on Tap Water Quality in Populations Experiencing a Water Crisis

Abstract

During a water crisis, trust is a key factor in communicating with residents about the safety of their tap water. Failures by US community water systems to deliver safe drinking water are more likely to impact low-income and minority communities, populations less likely to trust official sources. The research objective was to determine which information sources are most trusted concerning tap water quality among populations that have experienced a drinking water crisis. A community-based participatory research approach was used to develop and field surveys of sample populations in Newark, New Jersey, and Watts in Los Angeles, California, two low-income and minority communities with legacy water quality issues stemming from environmental injustice. The surveys found that community organizations and activists are more trusted sources of information about water quality than city and county governments or water utilities. The research suggests that agencies tasked with delivering critical information concerning tap water safety to residents will improve community trust in their messages if community organizations and activists deliver them.