Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on water consumption behaviour

Abstract

Access to drinking water is essential for life, and an adequate and constant distribution of water is necessary during the occurrence of contagious diseases and pandemic situations. Currently, COVID-19, caused by the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, has spread throughout the world, and in Brazil, more than 5,300,000 cases and 157,000 deaths had been reported by 26th October 2020. Water is regarded as one of the most important resources in a pandemic, in order to provide the necessary sanitary conditions. Thus, the present study aims to analyse changes in hygiene behaviour in relation to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the impact on water consumption before and during the pandemic. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire, which was delivered online to 149 participants between June and July 2020. The results pointed to changes in hygiene behaviour, with a consequent effect on water consumption. HIGHLIGHTS The hygiene habits that had been influenced by the pandemic were washing hands with soap and water, cleaning floors and food hygiene.; The changes in these habits were more significant in dwellings with elderly people, considered to be more vulnerable to the SARS-COV-2 virus.; There was a significant change in the habit of washing hands when arriving home.;

Keywords

• covid-19
• hygiene behaviour
• water consumption behaviour