Perceptions of Potable Water in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur and Barmer Districts

This paper looks at differences and similarities in various populations’ perceptions of safe drinking water (SDW) within Rajasthan (RJ), India, developing suggestions for future initiatives addressing the movement for safe drinking water for all. For this study, surveys were used; the survey was conducted in RJ, India, both in urban Jodhpur and in surrounding rural villages. To analyze the data, all the responses were entered into Excel format to discover patterns, themes and trends within four subtopics: access, storage, quality and cultural significance. The responses indicate that while a distinct water culture spans the geographic area, each different population retains perspectives and reports experiences unique to their specific socio-economic and geographic groupings. Greatest variance was seen in access between groups. Many reported being unsatisfied with their current water situation. Suggestions for addressing these inequities are discussed in the last section of the paper; Further action is needed on a larger scale to support target populations (TPs) and prevent further degradation of the environment, which is exacerbating issues surrounding SDW. It is necessary for governments to empower grass-roots intervention involving SDW as well as better address macro environmental concerns in order to be successful in this endeavor