Culture of water used for human consumption in rural communities in the municipality of El Callao, Bolivar state, Venezuela

Abstract

Access to drinking water, a human right, is a sensitive issue for communities, mainly those located in vulnerable rural areas that do not have water supply services or basic sanitation facilities. The objective of this study focused on gathering information in each community included in the study, to analyze different aspects related to the water used by the members of the communities and to promote a new water culture. The study was carried out in five vulnerable rural communities in the municipality of El Callao, Bolivar State, Venezuela. Three phases were considered: Initial, application of KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) surveys, after informed consent; Knowledge transfer, implementation of workshops tailored to each community, focused on promoting a new water culture among its members; Monitoring phase, implementation of KAP surveys, after the workshops, to measure the results of the action. According to the results obtained, the sources of water supply used by the communities for consumption and personal hygiene, in general, come from rivers, streams, tapón (surface water), ravines, wells (groundwater), collected and stored rainwater, tanker trucks, water sales centers (refilling water bottles). A total of 380 community members (women, men, young people) participated in the workshops. Changes in the water culture were observed, mainly in the selection of water supply sources for direct consumption, application of disinfection and water storage measures.