Consumer perception of water insecurity in the State of Rio de Janeiro during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Water is essential for the maintenance of life. In Brazil, according to Law 11,346, of September 15, 2006, access to drinking water is treated as a fundamental right. Despite this, Brazilians face constant water crises, especially the State of Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the perception of water consumers about water insecurity in the State of Rio de Janeiro during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a view to ensuring Food and Nutritional Security, the health of the population in general, in addition to to contribute to achieving the SDG objectives of the 2030 Agenda. An online survey was carried out from April 26 to 30, 2021. The questionnaire was designed with questions about access and quality of drinking water, social isolation during the pandemic and socioeconomic data . 289 individuals participated in the study, the majority of whom were female (77.85%), resident in the capital (88.58%), aged between 18 and 19 years old (51.56%), 44.64% stated that there had been decrease in income during the period. the pandemic. 40.48% classify it as poor quality, 57.44% obtain water from the Treatment Station and 29.07% buy mineral water. 88.93% consider water and sanitation as sustainability strategies. Therefore, access to drinking water as a public good is essential, making it necessary to include this topic in Public Health debates for the development of policies and assistance programs aimed at the universalization of basic sanitation.