Consumer Perceptions of Tap Water, Bottled Water, and Filtration Devices

Consumer Perceptions of Tap Water, Bottled Water, and Filtration Devices

Author: E. Mackey

Publisher: IWA Publishing

Published: 2004-04-30

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 1843398532

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The objectives of this project were (1) to measure consumer satisfaction with tap water quality, (2) to investigate demographic trends in consumer satisfaction and consumption of tap water alternatives, (3) to identify the factors that cause consumers to purchase and use bottled water and POU/POEs, and (4) to develop a list of recommendations for water utilities that can improve consumer satisfaction and help bridge gaps between perception and reality. The following are highlights from the research project: Consumption rate of tap water alternatives is highly dependent on geographic location (20% usage rate in the Midwest vs. 80% on the West Coast). Tap water drinkers are more satisfied (20% on average) than tap water alternative drinkers concerning various aspects of tap water (e.g., overall quality, taste, appearance, smell, safety, healthiness). Tap water quality had limited influence on consumer satisfaction. The highest level of correlation (between satisfaction and water quality) was found to have an R2 - value of 34%-64% for hardness and total dissolved solids. Safety was the primary motivator for filtered water drinkers. Bottled water drinkers were divided between taste, safety, and healthiness.


Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2006-12-22

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 0309133955

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Protecting and maintaining water distributions systems is crucial to ensuring high quality drinking water. Distribution systems-consisting of pipes, pumps, valves, storage tanks, reservoirs, meters, fittings, and other hydraulic appurtenances-carry drinking water from a centralized treatment plant or well supplies to consumers' taps. Spanning almost 1 million miles in the United States, distribution systems represent the vast majority of physical infrastructure for water supplies, and thus constitute the primary management challenge from both an operational and public health standpoint. Recent data on waterborne disease outbreaks suggest that distribution systems remain a source of contamination that has yet to be fully addressed. This report evaluates approaches for risk characterization and recent data, and it identifies a variety of strategies that could be considered to reduce the risks posed by water-quality deteriorating events in distribution systems. Particular attention is given to backflow events via cross connections, the potential for contamination of the distribution system during construction and repair activities, maintenance of storage facilities, and the role of premise plumbing in public health risk. The report also identifies advances in detection, monitoring and modeling, analytical methods, and research and development opportunities that will enable the water supply industry to further reduce risks associated with drinking water distribution systems.


Public Water Supply Distribution Systems

Public Water Supply Distribution Systems

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-05-12

Total Pages: 57

ISBN-13: 0309096286

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The Water Science and Technology Board has released the first report of the Committee on Public Water Supply Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks, which is studying water quality issues associated with public water supply distribution systems and their potential risks to consumers. The distribution system, which is a critical component of every drinking water utility, constitutes a significant management challenge from both an operational and public health standpoint. This first report was requested by the EPA, as the agency considers revisions to the Total Coliform Rule with potential new requirements for ensuring the integrity of the distribution system. This first report identifies trends relevant to the deterioration of drinking water quality in distribution systems and prioritizes issues of greatest concern according to high, medium, and low priority categories. Of the issues presented in nine EPA white papers that were reviewed by the committee, cross connections and backflow, new or repaired water mains, and finished water storage facilities were judged by the committee to be of the highest importance based on their associated potential health risks. In addition, the report noted that two other issues should also be accorded high priority: premise plumbing and distribution system operator training. This first report will be followed in about 18 months by a more comprehensive final report that evaluates approaches for risk characterization and identifies strategies that could be considered to reduce the risks posed by water-quality deteriorating events.


Green Consumerism

Green Consumerism

Author: Juliana Mansvelt

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2011-06-28

Total Pages: 561

ISBN-13: 1412996856

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Colorful bracelets, funky brooches, and beautiful handmade beads: young crafters learn to make all these and much more with this fantastic step-by-step guide. In 12 exciting projects with simple steps and detailed instructions, budding fashionistas create their own stylish accessories to give as gifts or add a touch of personal flair to any ensemble. Following the successful "Art Smart" series, "Craft Smart" presents a fresh, fun approach to four creative skills: knitting, jewelry-making, papercrafting, and crafting with recycled objects. Each book contains 12 original projects to make, using a range of readily available materials. There are projects for boys and girls, carefully chosen to appeal to readers of all abilities. A special "techniques and materials" section encourages young crafters to try out their own ideas while learning valuable practical skills.


Taste and Odour in Source and Drinking Water

Taste and Odour in Source and Drinking Water

Author: Tsair-Fuh Lin

Publisher: IWA Publishing

Published: 2018-03-15

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 1780406657

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This book provides an updated evaluation of the characterization and management of taste and odour (T&O) in source and drinking waters. Authored by international experts from the IWA Specialist Group on Off-flavours in the Aquatic Environment, the book represents an important resource that synthesizes current knowledge on the origins, mitigation, and management of aquatic T&O problems. The material provides new knowledge for an increasing widespread degradation of source waters and global demand for high quality potable water. Key topics include early warning, detection and source-tracking, chemical, sensory and molecular diagnosis, treatment options for common odorants and minerals, source management, modelling and risk assessment, and future research directions. Taste and Odour in Source and Drinking Water is directed towards a wide readership of scientists, engineers, technical operators and managers, and presents both practical and theoretical material, including an updated version of the benchmark Drinking Water Taste and Odour Wheel and a new biological wheel to provide a practical and informative tool for the initial diagnosis of the chemical and biological sources of aquatic T&O.


Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation

Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation

Author: Richard L. Doty

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-05-11

Total Pages: 1240

ISBN-13: 1118971744

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The largest collection of basic, clinical, and applied knowledge onthe chemical senses ever compiled in one volume, the third editionof Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation encompassrecent developments in all fields of chemosensory science,particularly the most recent advances in neurobiology,neuroscience, molecular biology, and modern functional imagingtechniques. Divided into five main sections, the text covers thesenses of smell and taste as well as sensory integration,industrial applications, and other chemosensory systems. This isessential reading for clinicians and academic researchersinterested in basic and applied chemosensory perception.


Customer Experience Management for Water Utilities

Customer Experience Management for Water Utilities

Author: Peter Prevos

Publisher: IWA Publishing

Published: 2017-10-15

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 1780408668

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Customer Experience Management for Water Utilities presents a practical framework for water utilities to become more focussed on their customers. This framework is founded on Service-Dominant Logic, a contemporary theory of marketing that explains value creation as a process of co-creation between the customer and the service provider. Standard models for marketing do not apply to monopolistic water utilities without modification. The first two chapters develop a marketing mix tailored to water utilities to assist them with providing customer-centric services. The water utility marketing mix includes the value proposition, internal marketing, service quality and customer relationships. he book discusses the four dimensions of the marketing mix. Chapter three presents a template for developing value propositions to assist water utilities in positioning their service. This model is based on the needs and wants of individual customer segments and the type of service. Chapter four discusses internal marketing, activities designed to improve the way utilities add value for customers. This chapter also analyses potential tensions between engineering and science-oriented employees and proposes methods to resolve these tensions. The final chapters describe customer relationships from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The customer experience is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to quantify. The book provides a method to measure the experience of the customer, based on service quality theory and psychometric statistics. Customer Experience Management for Water Utilities is one of the first books that discusses urban water supply from a marketing perspective. This perspective provides a unique insight into an industry which is often dominated by technological concerns. This book is a valuable resource for Water Utility Managers and Regulators, as well as for Marketing Consultants seeking to assist water utilities to become more customer focussed.