Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Public Policy
Advisor/Mentor
Patton, Susan
Committee Member
Brinck, Kerr
Second Committee Member
Dobbs, Page
Keywords
Communication; Drinking water; Perceptions; Quality; Trust; Willingness to Pay
Abstract
Objective: Perceptions of drinking water quality influence public trust, water consumption behaviors, and the willingness to invest in infrastructure improvements. Despite the importance of safe drinking water, regional and socio-economic disparities impact how residents perceive their tap water and their readiness to pay for enhancements. While past research indicates that negative views of tap water quality have resulted in behavioral changes, the connection between perception and actual household water usage remains ambiguous. This study aims to investigate how perceptions of drinking water quality differ across regions in Arkansas and how residents are willing to invest in quality improvements. Method: A mixed-methods approach involved 178 residents of Arkansas who participated in a survey conducted from June to August 2024. The study assessed perceptions of drinking water quality, household water usage, and willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements to the water system. Additionally, eleven in-depth interviews were conducted from October to December 2024 to explore the social, economic, and infrastructural factors influencing these perceptions. Data were analyzed using Kendall’s tau_b correlation for quantitative measures and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. Results. Respondents from the northcentral region reported significantly lower perceptions of tap water quality compared to other regions, while those in the upper delta and southwest regions had the highest perception scores. Higher levels of education and income were associated with more favorable perceptions of drinking water quality, with Black/African American and low-income individuals reporting significantly lower perception scores than their White and higher-income counterparts. Findings showed no significant association between perceived drinking water quality and self-reported household water usage (Kendall’s tau_b = 0.007, p = 0.910). Willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in water quality varied among the respondents: 60% (n = 104) were unwilling to pay any additional amount on their monthly water bill, while the remaining 40% (n = 72) indicated a willingness to pay an average of $9 per month. Conclusion. The findings suggest that enhancing public confidence in drinking water requires infrastructure improvements, clear communication, fair financing strategies, and targeted public engagement. Future research should explore the relationship between public trust, behavioral interventions, and sustainable funding models to support long-term enhancements to the water system.
Citation
Olatunde, K. O. (2025). Perception of Drinking Water Quality among Arkansas Residents. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5983
