AWWA WQTC65827

The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with water perception in a municipal network, with special emphasis on water quality. The study revolves around a spatially-based analysis of customer consumption of tap water delivered by a distribution system. Information sources used for this study include a questionnaire-based survey on customer drinking water consumption and a quality index obtained from physicochemical characterization throughout the distribution network. A case study is presented of a distribution system supplying drinking water to a sector of Quebec City known as Beauport. Water for Beauport is pumped from the Montmorency River, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River. The Beauport distribution system is an interesting case study, because the system supplies a large territory (74.4 km²) and, given the number of people served, water residence times in the network can be relatively long. This can affect the aesthetics of water quality because of bacterial growth, interaction with pipes, etc. The analytical methodology consisted of a survey on drinking water consumption patterns, the degree of respondents' overall satisfaction with tap water quality, the perceived risk associated with the consumption of tap water and the socio-demographic characteristics of customers. Results were analyzed using a geographical information system (GIS). Includes 6 references, tables.