‘It’s probably safe’: Cultural insights and practical knowledge to shift Abu Dhabi towards tap water

Plastic pollution on the rise and Abu Dhabi Emirate is piloting community initiatives to tackle it. In a country where bottled water consumption rates are among the highest in the world, despite safe tap water readily available, and where migrants continue to drive population growth, my research explores how cultural ethnicity and past practices could be leveraged towards plastic waste reduction goals. To capture data, an online, bilingual questionnaire was distributed through convenience methods. Quantitative analysis of 590 responses finds that having a filter at home replaces plastic bottled water by approximately 25% for drinking and 15% for cooking, showing promise for filters to support action against plastic pollution. Residents seek an affordable, fuss-free system that delivers personal health benefits with a refreshing taste; who influences the decision varies significantly by nationality. The study also found that past exposure positively influences ones perception of filtered tap water. Data is supportive of the notion that Abu Dhabi’s growing migrant population has potential to maintain or revive their tap water practice, potentially through a water filter initiative. It further lays groundwork for exploration of other pro-environmental habits while simultaneously providing insights that can be immediately applied to local action plans.