Behavior of household water consumption in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Populations have changed their habits and consumption as a result of COVID-19. In the case of Mexico City, this situation has possibly led households to purchase more products such as bottled water and to consume the same amount or less tap water. This behavior was confirmed by analyzing tap water consumption data before and during the arrival of COVID-19 using Pearson chi-square, and by conducting a survey of bottled and tap water consumption and analyzing that data with a bivariate econometric model. It was found to be related to the perception of poor-quality service. Consequently, tap water consumption will not always increase when health emergencies such as COVID-19 occur, but rather, this will depend on other environmental variables. Therefore, public water policies should be aimed at offering and ensuring a continuous supply of good quality water, as well as providing clear and objective information to prevent this type of behavior HIGHLIGHTS The COVID-19 infection has saturated health systems throughout the world and led to a change in habits and consumption in the population.; This situation has also led families to purchase more alternative products that are on the market as a supply measure to cope with an uncertain scenario, as is the case of increased purchases of bottled water.; There is evidence of a relationship between not consuming tap water and a higher consumption of bottled water as a possible alternative to reduce the risk of COVID-19.; Public policy must be aimed at offering and ensuring a continuous supply of good quality water, especially for vulnerable sectors, to stop the spread of infection.;

Keywords

• bottled water
• consumption
• covid-19
• quality
• tap water