Drinking Water Preferences in Hauled Households in Rural Alaska

In unique environments where piped water service is not feasible or available, such as rural Alaska, some communities rely on hauled water services—i.e., water delivered to a tank at each household by truck or all-terrain vehicle. In these systems, unique challenges can arise around end-user perceptions of the safety and reliability of drinking water. For instance, households must consider the limited water volume available to them between deliveries and the possibility of delayed or missed deliveries due to inclement weather or limited workforce capacity. Another challenge related to the system operations is the potential contamination points at hose and tank connections when distributing water, or concerns regarding the water age in the tank and the corresponding water quality. Oftentimes, arising from such challenges, end-users alter their behaviors surrounding drinking water, such as seeking additional drinking water sources or altering their water through methods like point-of-use filtration. Here, we analyze 30 interviews with hauled system users to explore water consumption behaviors in hauled households, including additional filtration choices, primary and additional drinking water sources, and reasons for making such choices. This study captures information about these behaviors, providing water utility providers with key information for decision-making. Results indicate that perceived negative aesthetic properties and safety concerns of unfiltered tap water are often convoluted, with individuals perceiving water to have poor smell and taste to be indicators of unsafe drinking water. As a result, most participants prefer to drink filtered tap water or store-bought water, despite the notable increased costs and labor associated with these choices. Results also show that service disruptions and water volume are not the primary motivators for choosing alternative drinking water sources. Based on these findings, we recommend that hauled water utility providers invest in community education on drinking water safety and in-home tank maintenance, as well as encourage in-home filters, such as Brita and Berkey filters to build public trust and confidence.