Strengthen Public Trust | American Water Works Association

Strengthen Public Trust

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More than seven in ten Americans (71%) served by a water utility say they are satisfied with their tap water, according to a recent survey conducted by Morning Consult on AWWA's behalf.

The survey about public perceptions of tap water, conducted in June 2021, follows a similar survey conducted in June 2020.

Americans are confident in there tap water, yet water utilities have an opportunity to improve communication to strengthen public trust.

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Resources
Perceptions of Tap Water Resources
Lead Resources
PFAS Resources

Guidance Documents

The Last Drop: Strengthening Public Trust in an Era of Mistrust Virtual Summit Session (2020)

Be a Trusted Source: How to Handle Communication Challenges During COVID-19 Webinar (2020)

A Water Utility Manager's Guide to Community Stewardship (2019)

A Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Communication Resource (2019)

Communicating Water's Value: Talking Points, Tips & Strategies (2014), Melanie Goetz

Bridging the trust gap (February 1, 2022), DrinkTap blog

Guidelines ensure tap water safety (November 5, 2021), DrinkTap blog
Your tap water during coronavirus pandemic (March 16, 2020), DrinkTap blog

You may also search decades of articles on this or other topics published in the Journal AWWA, Opflow and AWWA Water Science.

Summary of Survey Results

Complete Survey Results

Consumer confidence in tap water remains high (October 13, 2021), DrinkTap blog

Lead Resource Page
Lead Communications Toolkit
Lead Whiteboard Explainer
Lead and Drinking Water: Talking with Your Community Brochure
EPA releases revised rule on lead (October 10, 2019), AWWA Connections
Transparent Communication Builds Trust Regarding Lead in Drinking Water (2018), Opflow
Lead Communication It's Not What You Say but How You Say It (2018), Opflow
Lead in water: What level should prompt action? (March 2, 2017), AWWA Connections
Public outreach key to mitigating lead risks (May 12, 2016), AWWA Connections
Proactive utilities engage media on lead (February 18, 2016), AWWA Connections
Communicating About Lead Service Lines: A Guide for Water Systems Addressing Service Line Repair and Replacement (2014)

PFAS Resource Page
AWWA Briefing on PFAS
Summary of State Policies to Protect Drinking Water