THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DRINKING-WATER QUALITY - AN EXPLORATORY-STUDY

Perceptions of drinking water quality were measured for residents at f our locations in Western Australia. The total dissolved solid levels f or the locations varied. Four scales of drinking water satisfaction we re measured: acceptability of water quality; water quality risk judgme nt; perception of neighborhood water quality; and attitudes toward flu oride as an additive. Responses to each of these scales did not appear to be highly related to total dissolved solids. The relationship betw een attitudes toward water quality and a variety of psychological, att itudinal, experiential, and demographic variables was investigated. It was found that responses to the acceptability of water quality and wa ter quality risk judgment scales related to perceived credibility of s ocietal institutions and feelings of control over water quality and en vironmental problems. For the remaining two scales few significant cor relations were found. The results support those who advocate localized information and involvement campaigns on drinking water quality issue s.