Rainwater Qualities and Rainwater Consumption Behaviors in Bannong - Ngom, Huachang Sub-District, Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to: 1) analyze quality of rainwater linked to physical, chemical and microbiological aspects; and 2) explore rainwater consumption behaviors. Samples were household rainwater kept in 14 tanks or storage containers and 30 household representatives selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected via examining quality of household rainwater by using repeated measurement method for 3 times and questionnaire linked to knowledge, attitude and behavior of household rainwater consumption (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.80, 0.75 and 0.71 respectively. The quality of household rainwater was investigated in laboratory, while data from questionnaire was analyzed by descriptive statistics in terms of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.

          The results showed that the water samples had the pH value which met the criteria of drinking water guideline set by the Department of Health in 2010, but it was found contamination of coliform bacteria and fecal coliform in all sampling water. Regarding color and turbidity parameters of the samples, they were not met the criteria in each one sample. The participants had their knowledge and attitude at moderate levels (66.7% and 53.3% respectively), while behavior was at a low level (20%). The behaviors that influenced the quality of household rainwater were not leaving the first water to irrigate dust and animal droppings from the rooftops, not cleaning the rooftops and gutters, not adjusting water quality before usage, not covering the tanks or containers and not washing hands before storing the water into bottles or containers.

          Policies or measures to encourage community people to be aware of impacts from using and consuming unclean rainwater and also providing knowledge campaigns via mass media in community should be considered.