Latest survey shows 7 in 10 consumers consider their tap water safe

Nearly three-in-four people perceive their home’s tap water as safe, according to a survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and nearly 80% trust their water utility. The June 2022 poll, titled “Public Perceptions of Tap Water,” included 1,977 Americans served by water utilities.

The survey showed approximately 70% of respondents rate the quality of water at their faucet as excellent or good, a level nearly equal to a similar survey conducted in June 2021. However, fewer Black adults rated their water as “safe” (6% decline) and more rated their water “unsafe” (7% increase) compared to June 2021. In addition, Black adults (26%) and Hispanic adults (22%) were more likely than White adults (16%) to report that the safety of their water supply has improved over the past five years.

“It’s good to see the vast majority of people have confidence in both their tap water and their water utility,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “At the same time, we have work to do to gain and maintain trust in tap water, especially in communities where historical inequities have existed. With affordability challenges rising, focusing on disadvantaged communities is even more important.”

With rising inflation a concern in the United States, the most recent survey showed that one-third of respondents were struggling to pay their water bill on time, an 8% increase from June 2021.

Three-fourths of respondents strongly or somewhat support continuing Congressional assistance to help those experiencing difficulty with paying water bills. Respondents across key demographics show support for this policy, with the most support expressed by Black respondents. The struggle to pay a water bill is most strongly expressed by lower-income, Black and Hispanic respondents.

The poll was initiated in 2020 in response to requests from AWWA Water Utility Council members for more data on consumer trust in tap water. It was paid for through AWWA’s member-supported Water Industry Technical Action Fund, which supports research projects and technical reports that help water professionals in their work.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents indicated they have “a lot” or “some” trust in their water utility. Those who are aware of how frequently utilities conduct water quality tests indicated a much higher level of trust than people who are unaware. Three-fourths of respondents (73%) say they are generally satisfied with the water. However, that figure rose to 88% among those who said they are aware of frequent testing.

Approximately three-fourths of respondents say they are generally, very, or somewhat satisfied with the water at their faucet. Respondents’ satisfaction with their water utility has increased by 4% since the June 2021 survey.

A written and visual summary of the survey results are available on AWWA’s Value of Water page.