Integrating behavioral analysis for sustainable drinking water management in rural Romania

Access to safe drinking water and the sustainable management of water resources are fundamental priori-ties for global sustainable development policies, as explicitly reflected in Goal 6 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. In rural communities across Central and Eastern Europe, these objectives face numerous chal-lenges arising from both natural factors and local infrastructural and behavioral limitations. This study provides a detailed investigation of behaviors, perceptions, and practices related to drinking water re-sources in the commune of Ceanu Mare, Romania, based on 741 questionnaires administered in nine rep-resentative villages (September–December 2024), supplemented by hydrogeological and geotechnical analyses of local water sources. The data were processed statistically and geospatially using modern tools and validated methodologies. Perceptions of water quality differ significantly between villages with access to public water supply infrastructure and those without, while the willingness to adopt alternative solu-tions (filters, network expansion) is high. The analysis of socio-demographic correlations highlights the heightened vulnerability of elderly and large households. This study offers an integrated and up-to-date perspective on the management of drinking water resources in rural settings, underscoring the need for proactive, evidence-based local policies that are essential for achieving sustainable development objectives in the region