Public perception related to inadequate drinking water quality among Brazilian adults

This study aimed to identify the main sources of drinking water, evaluate public perception and satisfaction with regards to tap water and compare it with the distance from provider in Florianopolis city, Southern Brazil. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water at daycare centers were also assessed. Questionnaires were applied to 1,298 residences in six districts regarding water quality and consumption preferences and analyzed by adjusted binary logistic regression. Tap water physicochemical and microbiological parameters at the selected districts were assessed during summer and winter seasons. Of the 581 questionnaire respondents, 93% did not drink tap water, mostly due to a lack of confidence in water safety and taste. Only 39% were satisfied with water quality and approximately 30% reported that water is worse in summer season. Most water samples collected were not in accordance with Brazilian regulations. Thirty percent of samples were positive for total coliform, and one sample was positive for infectious adenovirus (38 PFU/L). Chlorine concentration was higher in some districts closer to the provider and during the summer season. These results could be useful in informing political resolutions aiming to improve the quality of drinking water, and to protect human health.