Perception on water quality, current and future water consumption of residents from central business district of Yangon city

Public water supply services in Yangon started since 1842, however the practice of drinking tap water is uncommon until this moment. Currently, Yangon city development committee is upgrading the tap water system in accordance with greater Yangon water supply improvement project. It is important to know the perceptual driving factors affecting the decision for drinking in order to effectively improve the public acceptance of tap water. In this study, household water management practices and their influencing factors of Yangon city residents are revealed through questionnaires. Residence time in Yangon city is significantly associated with the water consumption behaviour. Decision for drinking comes from perception on organoleptic rather than parameters of high importance for safety. The future consumption of tap water is influenced by income and perception on overall quality. Preference billing method is associated with education, family size, income and willingness to spend more for better quality water.