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Caracterização dos consumidores de água da zona Oeste de Portugal continental
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A água é um recurso essencial para a vida humana, desempenhando um papel crucial na saúde, no desenvolvimento das sociedades e na sustentabilidade ambiental. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os consumidores de água da zona Oeste de Portugal continental, analisando os seus hábitos de consumo, as motivações para beber ou não água da rede pública de abastecimento, e o nível de preocupação com a escassez hídrica e a sustentabilidade.
Para tal, foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e correlacional, através da aplicação de um
questionário online a 481 residentes da região Oeste. Os resultados indicam que 66,9% dos inquiridos consomem água da rede pública, mas apenas 12,4% o fazem de forma exclusiva. A água engarrafada é a principal alternativa, mesmo entre consumidores da rede pública. Os motivos mais frequentes para o consumo de água da rede pública são o preço mais acessível (48,1%) e o hábito (40,4%). Já a rejeição ou consumo não exclusivo deve-se sobretudo à perceção de características organoléticas desfavoráveis. Verificou-se que a perceção de qualidade e segurança da água da rede pública é significativamente mais elevada entre os seus consumidores. Fatores como a idade, concelho de residência e o rendimento influenciam o consumo de água da rede pública de abastecimento. Apesar de uma elevada consciência ambiental (85% adotam medidas de
poupança), a preocupação com a escassez hídrica não se traduz diretamente num maior número de ações práticas, sugerindo que motivações económicas podem sobrepor-se a valores ecológicos. A maioria dos participantes (83%) reconhece a água da rede como mais sustentável do que a água engarrafada, sendo esta perceção mais forte entre os seus consumidores.
Conclui-se que a promoção do consumo de água da rede pública exige estratégias de comunicação claras sobre a sua qualidade e segurança, ações educativas que desconstruam mitos e iniciativas que reforcem a sua acessibilidade, fomentando escolhas mais conscientes, económicas e ambientalmente responsáveis.
Por fim, importa referir que esta investigação contribui de forma relevante para a promoção dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) estabelecidos pela Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas, nomeadamente ODS 3 – Saúde de Qualidade, ODS 6 – Água Potável e Saneamento, ODS 12 – Produção e Consumo Sustentáveis, e ODS 13 – Ação Climática. Ao caracterizar os consumidores de água da zona Oeste de Portugal continental, promove uma reflexão crítica e informada sobre hábitos de consumo e inerente consciência do que é percecionado como sendo sustentável. Além disso, pretende-se que esta dissertação incentive a transformação de atitudes em prol de uma cidadania mais informada e consciente das suas escolhas.
Water is an essential resource for human life, playing a crucial role in health, societal development, and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to characterize water consumers in the West region of mainland Portugal by analysing their consumption habits, the motivations for drinking or not drinking water from the public supply network, and their level of concern about water scarcity and sustainability. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted through an online questionnaire administered to 481 residents of the West region. The results indicate that 66,9% of respondents consume tap water, but only 12,4% do so exclusively. Bottled water is the main alternative, even among tap water consumers. The most frequent reasons for consuming tap water are its lower cost (48,1%) and habit (40,4%). In contrast, rejection or non-exclusive consumption is mainly due to the perception of unfavourable organoleptic characteristics. Perceptions of tap water quality and safety were significantly higher among its consumers. Factors such as age, municipality of residence, and income influence tap water consumption. Despite a high level of environmental awareness (85% adopt water-saving measures), concern about water scarcity does not directly translate into a greater number of practical actions, suggesting that economic motivations may outweigh ecological values. The majority of participants (83%) recognize tap water as more sustainable than bottled water, and this perception is stronger among tap water consumers. It is concluded that promoting tap water consumption requires clear communication strategies about its quality and safety, educational actions to debunk myths, and initiatives to enhance its accessibility, fostering more conscious, economical, and environmentally responsible choices. Finally, it is important to highlight that this research makes a significant contribution to the advancement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 – Climate Action. By characterising water consumers in the West region of mainland Portugal, it fosters a critical and informed reflection on consumption habits and the inherent awareness of what is perceived as sustainable. Furthermore, this dissertation aims to encourage a transformation of attitudes towards a more informed and conscientious citizenship with regard to individual choices.
Water is an essential resource for human life, playing a crucial role in health, societal development, and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to characterize water consumers in the West region of mainland Portugal by analysing their consumption habits, the motivations for drinking or not drinking water from the public supply network, and their level of concern about water scarcity and sustainability. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted through an online questionnaire administered to 481 residents of the West region. The results indicate that 66,9% of respondents consume tap water, but only 12,4% do so exclusively. Bottled water is the main alternative, even among tap water consumers. The most frequent reasons for consuming tap water are its lower cost (48,1%) and habit (40,4%). In contrast, rejection or non-exclusive consumption is mainly due to the perception of unfavourable organoleptic characteristics. Perceptions of tap water quality and safety were significantly higher among its consumers. Factors such as age, municipality of residence, and income influence tap water consumption. Despite a high level of environmental awareness (85% adopt water-saving measures), concern about water scarcity does not directly translate into a greater number of practical actions, suggesting that economic motivations may outweigh ecological values. The majority of participants (83%) recognize tap water as more sustainable than bottled water, and this perception is stronger among tap water consumers. It is concluded that promoting tap water consumption requires clear communication strategies about its quality and safety, educational actions to debunk myths, and initiatives to enhance its accessibility, fostering more conscious, economical, and environmentally responsible choices. Finally, it is important to highlight that this research makes a significant contribution to the advancement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 – Climate Action. By characterising water consumers in the West region of mainland Portugal, it fosters a critical and informed reflection on consumption habits and the inherent awareness of what is perceived as sustainable. Furthermore, this dissertation aims to encourage a transformation of attitudes towards a more informed and conscientious citizenship with regard to individual choices.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Água da rede pública de abastecimento Água engarrafada Perceção de qualidade e segurança Sustentabilidade Zona Oeste de Portugal Consumidores