User satisfaction with water supply services in rural communities in Boa Esperança, ES, Brazil

Abstract

Ensuring access to safe water in rural areas is an objective that remains unattainable in various parts of the world. In Brazil, the scenario is similar, with a high number of rural facilities without adequate water supply. In some rural communities in the city of Boa Esperança, ES, the community water supply management model was established, also applied in other parts of Brazil and other countries. In this work, it was verified the satisfaction of the users of these systems in 7 of these communities. With a Likert questionnaire, it was verified how much the respondents agreed with each of three statements, covering the topics ‘Water quality’, ‘Water quantity’ and ‘Value of the tariff’. Socio-economic data were also collected from those who responded and technical data on the system's facilities, the community and the residents' association. It was observed that, in general, the residents are satisfied with the water supply they receive. There was greater disagreement about water quality, but the responses were still mostly positive. It is believed that the population of these regions does not have sufficient information on water quality standards. Thus, it is as necessary to make the population aware of these standards, as well as to provide technical assistance so that they reach them.