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Problems with provision: barriers to drinking water quality and public health in rural Tasmania, Australia
Citation
Whelan, JJ and Willis, K, Problems with provision: barriers to drinking water quality and public health in rural Tasmania, Australia, Rural and Remote Health Journal, 7, (3) pp. 627. ISSN 1445-6354 (2007) [Refereed Article]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Access to safe drinking water is essential to human life and wellbeing, and is a key public health issue. However, many communities in rural and regional parts of Australia are unable to access drinking water that meets national standards for protecting human health. The aim of this research was to identify the key issues in and barriers to the provision and management of safe drinking water in rural Tasmania, Australia. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key local government employees and public health officials responsible for management of drinking water in rural Tasmania. Participants were asked about their core public health duties, regulatory responsibilities, perceptions and management of risk, as well as the key barriers that may be affecting the provision of safe drinking water. RESULTS: This research highlights the effect of rural locality on management and safety of fresh water in protecting public health. The key issues contributing to problems with drinking water provision and quality identified by participants included: poor and inadequate water supply infrastructure; lack of resources and staffing; inadequate catchment monitoring; and the effect of competing land uses, such as forestry, on water supply quality. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This research raises issues of inequity in the provision of safe drinking water in rural communities. It highlights not only the increasing need for greater funding by state and commonwealth government for basic services such as drinking water, but also the importance of an holistic and integrated approach to managing drinking water resources in rural Tasmania.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Health services and systems |
| Research Field: | Health services and systems not elsewhere classified |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) |
| Objective Field: | Rural and remote area health |
| UTAS Author: | Whelan, JJ (Dr Jessica Woodroffe) |
| UTAS Author: | Willis, K (Dr Karen Willis) |
| ID Code: | 46574 |
| Year Published: | 2007 |
| Deposited By: | Sociology and Social Work |
| Deposited On: | 2007-08-01 |
| Last Modified: | 2011-11-25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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