Humans as Sensors: Using Resident Observations to Assess Tap Water Quality in Frontline Communities

Abstract Submission: Tap water is largely untested in the United States, creating a gap in our knowledge of water quality at the point of domestic use. Understanding household water quality can help provide insights into issues of tap water distrust and information on household-level contaminant exposure. In this work we report on community members’ perceptions of their tap water and water use behaviors as an indicator of water quality in two frontline communities: East Palo Alto, CA and Detroit, MI. We conducted bi-monthly water quality tests of 46 analytes in one summer and one winter month for 50 households in each community alongside sub-weekly observational surveys – reporting on water smell, color, taste – completed by the residents. From the water quality tests we find notable variability in household water quality across the city and between seasons, but no violations of health-based regulatory thresholds. While most households did not drink from the tap, those that did, reported off-tasting and off-smelling tap water, and discolored appearance. The observational surveys revealed widespread tap water distrust and reliance on bottled or filtered water, likely influenced by perceived poor water quality and social factors. Through utilizing citizen science approaches to recognize community members as sensors, this project gives community members the tools to identify issues in their tap water. This study when applied to other frontline communities in the United States can help us to begin to address communities' needs in order to alleviate inequities at the tap and increase community climate resilience.

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