EFFECTS OF INFORMATION PROVISION ABOUT WATER SUPPLY SERVICES ON PUBLIC AWARENESS

Abstract

 An Internet questionnaire was conducted to determine the effects of the provision of information on public awareness regarding the drinking water supply. We targeted a total of 700 young people in their 20s and 30s, whose awareness of water supply services is particularly low compared to other age groups. The results indicated that information provision enhanced a sense of ownership, awareness of drinking water supply sustainability, and increased interest in 51.4% of the experimental group. A relationship was found between interest and recognition of water supply service, indicating the importance of raising interest, especially among those with no interest. Conversely, we found that information provision led to both agreement and disagreement on strengthening the financial basis of water utilities. We also found that people do not always understand the fact of a decrease in water tariff income due to the declining population as a risk. Furthermore, by analyzing free description of the reason for acceptance of the water tariff increase, we showed the contents of the PR that should be emphasized in the future.