From left: Emily Kumpel (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Airín D. Martínez (Health Promotion and Policy), Carlos Veras (Graduate Student, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering)
Do you trust your tap water?
Many people don’t, despite tap water being very safe in general. When people doubt the safety and quality of their tap water – known as water mistrust – they often turn to unhealthy or costly alternatives, such as bottled water or sugary drinks. This persistent problem disproportionately falls on marginalized, low-income, and immigrant communities, needlessly draining their health and wealth.
But if tap water is generally safe, why does this mistrust continue? That is what this research seeks to address.
Engaging the economically, racially, and geographically diverse residents of Springfield, Hadley, and Greenfield, Massachusetts, this study aims to identify and understand the sources and impacts of water mistrust. The team will ask residents about their experiences and how water utilities can improve public trust.
This research comes at a crucial time, with unprecedented federal spending on water infrastructure nationwide and in Massachusetts. With their research findings, the team will inform local water commissions on sustainable regional water planning and advise local water utilities on how to communicate the safety and benefits of tap water more effectively.
Ultimately, the team envisions expanding the project with NIH funding and support from foundations and agencies focused on water access, health equity, and public infrastructure.