TRENDS IN WATER CONSUMPTION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD PREFERENCES IN 2021

Human consumption of safe drinking water is recognized as a basic human right by UN, and worldwide countries monitor and ensure their municipal water supplies are in compliance with drinking water standards as regulated by respective laws. With all improvements made over time for access in safe water, consumption of bottled water has marked a significant increase worldwide. The aim of this study is to examine the evolution of water consumption habits over time from childhood to adulthood in population of Kosovo. In 2021, a total of 500 respondents aged 18 and above completed an online questionnaire designed to explore type of water consumption during their early years compared to their current habits in adulthood. The survey focused on three primary sources of drinking water: bottled water, water utility (tap water), and well water. By analysing these responses, the study aimed to identify significant trends and shifts in preferences of type of water consumption over the years. The results reveal a notable transformation in drinking water behaviour. Bottled water consumption increased by 25.4% from childhood to adulthood, suggesting a growing preference for commercially sourced water products. Based on prior studies worldwide, this rise is likely influenced by perceptions of bottled water as a safer, more convenient, and higher-quality option compared to traditional sources. In contrast, the use of water utility (tap water) decreased by 15.8%, and well water consumption dropped by 11.6%. These declines may reflect increased concerns over water contamination, aging infrastructure, and reduced public trust in municipal and well water sources. Interestingly, when combining the consumption of bottled water and water utility, there was still an overall increase of 5.6%, indicating a net gain in the use of treated or regulated water sources. This trend suggests a shift towards perceived safety and quality assurance in water consumption habits, rather than a total shift away from public water system. These findings align with prior research highlighting a global trend toward increased bottled water consumption. Furthermore, the reduction in reliance on well water and municipal tap water underscores ongoing challenges related to public health, infrastructure investment, and environmental pollution. Understanding these consumption patterns is critical for policymakers, public health officials, and environmental advocates in order to balance the need for safe drinking water with sustainable practices. Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of addressing both public trust in municipal water systems and the environmental impacts of increased bottled water reliance.