In Tap We (Dis)Trust: Why Customers Choose Bottled Water

Samantha Zuhlke; Melissa Walker; Ted Corrigan; David M. Cwiertny

doi:10.1002/awwa.2517

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In Tap We (Dis)Trust: Why Customers Choose Bottled Water

Journal article

Peer reviewed

In Tap We (Dis)Trust: Why Customers Choose Bottled Water

Samantha Zuhlke, Melissa Walker, Ted Corrigan and David M. Cwiertny

Journal - American Water Works Association, Vol.117(9), pp.18-26

11/2025

DOI: 10.1002/awwa.2517

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Abstract

Key Takeaways Many consumers drink commercial water despite it being more expensive, less regulated, and more environmentally destructive than tap water. A research team partnered with Des Moines Water Works to interview residents about their attitudes and perceptions toward drinking water. Tap water distrust can occur because of a lack of information, misinformation, or taste and other aesthetic problems. To address distrust, utilities should communicate directly with target audiences and play a more active, visible role in the communities they serve.

Water Quality

consumer confidence

customer distrust

utility communication

Details

Title: Subtitle: In Tap We (Dis)Trust: Why Customers Choose Bottled Water
Creators: Samantha Zuhlke
Melissa Walker
Ted Corrigan
David M. Cwiertny
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal - American Water Works Association, Vol.117(9), pp.18-26
DOI: 10.1002/awwa.2517
ISSN: 0003-150X
eISSN: 1551-8833
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Number of pages: 9
Grant note: National Science Foundation CIVIC Innovation Challenge: 2228457, 202301284 University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental ContaminationCenter for Social Science Innovation's Write on Target program
This article is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation CIVIC Innovation Challenge under Award No. 2228457. The research design was approved by University of Iowa IRB ID# 202301284. Thanks to the City of Des Moines Public Works Department, Jennifer Terry, Melissa Walker, and the University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination. Thanks to Elizabeth Brackett, Armando Bryson, and Samuel Foster for their research assistance. Also, thanks to Ethan Rogers and the Center for Social Science Innovation's Write on Target program.
Language: English
Date published: 11/2025
Academic Unit: Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Center for Social Science Innovation; Chemistry; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; School of Planning and Public Affairs
Record Identifier: 9985014874902771

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