Factors impacting adoption of point-of-use activated carbon faucet mount water filters
Year: 2021
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Point-of-use (POU) water filters are a cost-effective measure for reducing exposure to waterborne lead; yet widespread filter adoption has not been achieved in the United States (U.S.). To promote sustained adoption of POUs, we have to understand the contextual, psychosocial, and technological factors which motivate, facilitate or impede POU adoption. This study aims to identify factors impacting adoption of POU filters through field testing, researcher observations, resident surveys, and consumer reports. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted to collect data via open ended surveys, interviews, and observations before and after a POU field-study (n=25). The study protocol, informed consent procedures and data collection instruments were approved by the Louisiana State University Health Institutional Review Board (IRB #10069). RESULTS:An important contextual factor impacting POU adoption was water quality, specifically, the presence of iron particulates, which resulted in clogged filters. Filters were also reported to be too cumbersome to use, didn’t work, or they were reported to be too expensive. The most widely reported problems were: the flow rate was too slow for daily use (39%), and the filter was too big for convenient use in shallow sinks (33%). There was some incorrect usage as well- 47% ran hot water through the filter. Factors that were important in filter selection were availability of replacement cartridges, and system durability. CONCLUSIONS:Officials promoting POUs during lead in water crises and for routine employment should ensure that POU technologies selected will work effectively under community water quality conditions, and that community supply chains exist. Information should be communicated in plain language format and include visual cues, maintenance instructions, and relevant translations. Residents should be allowed to select from a variety of household-compatible technologies, including pitcher filters; and assistance with POU installation should be offered where needed. KEYWORDS: POU, water filter, consumer survey, Pb, lead, household
Source: ISEE Conference Abstracts
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3194561499