Applying Anthropology to Water Quality Assessment: An Investigation of pH and Nitrates in Drinking Water

Presentation Type

Oral and/or Visual Presentation

Presenter Major(s)

Anthropology

Mentor Information

Elizabeth Arnold, arnoleli@gvsu.edu; Heather Van Wormer, vanwormh@gvsu.edu

Department

Anthropology

Location

Kirkhof Center 2201

Start Date

13-4-2011 10:30 AM

End Date

13-4-2011 11:00 AM

Keywords

Health, Illness, and Healing, Social Science

Abstract

This study examines demographic factors that influence perception of drinking water quality. A goal of the research was to assess pH and nitrates in drinking water, compare the results to both regional and national levels and critique current public policies in an effort to improve water quality awareness. There are three hypotheses: 1) pH and nitrate levels will exceed the maximum contaminant level, 2) households will be satisfied with their drinking water and 3) perception of water quality is positively correlated with educational level and household income. Drinking water samples (n=105) and demographic data were collected in West Michigan. Six samples exceeded a pH of 8.5 with only one nitrate sample above the safety range. The second and third hypotheses were not supported. Many people had no comment on their drinking water. Most respondents had the same college educational level. Household income did not have an influence on people's perception of their water quality.

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Apr 13th, 10:30 AM Apr 13th, 11:00 AM

Applying Anthropology to Water Quality Assessment: An Investigation of pH and Nitrates in Drinking Water

Kirkhof Center 2201

This study examines demographic factors that influence perception of drinking water quality. A goal of the research was to assess pH and nitrates in drinking water, compare the results to both regional and national levels and critique current public policies in an effort to improve water quality awareness. There are three hypotheses: 1) pH and nitrate levels will exceed the maximum contaminant level, 2) households will be satisfied with their drinking water and 3) perception of water quality is positively correlated with educational level and household income. Drinking water samples (n=105) and demographic data were collected in West Michigan. Six samples exceeded a pH of 8.5 with only one nitrate sample above the safety range. The second and third hypotheses were not supported. Many people had no comment on their drinking water. Most respondents had the same college educational level. Household income did not have an influence on people's perception of their water quality.