Understanding the barriers of clean water access in urban slums of Kolkata, India

Abstract

Introduction: Safe drinking water is scarce in Kolkata. Inadequate knowledge and poor practices of storing and cleaning drinking water can cause severe effects on the health of the population. There is a need to understand the current trend of attitudes and practices of individuals living in urban slums to reduce water borne diseases and mortality.

Methods: This pilot cross sectional study was conducted in Kolkata, India during June and July 2014. Five urban slums were selected conveniently based on proximity and cooperation from the community. A sample of 50 women was taken which represented 5 different sums, with a sample of 10 women taken from each slum.

Results: The majority (80%) of the participants said they regularly have enough water available to meet the needs of their household. Fifty-two percent of subjects received their water for drinking from a tap, hand pump, or time pump. Thirty percent had water pumped into their homes, and 18% purchased their water from a water truck. Fourteen percent said they did not treat their water because it was too time consuming, 40% said it was too much work, and 34% said it was not needed. Ninety percent said they felt it was important to clean their water, almost half (48%) thought their water was not clean, but only 42% used some method to clean their water. Many subjects (68%) stated they knew how to clean their water, but 66% were unaware that visible dirt is not an indicator of illness-causing bacteria in water.

Conclusions: More focus should be directed towards improving the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of perceived susceptibility of clean water within slum communities in Kolkata, India.