2 Advances and integration of water management techniques to enhance water security under increasing demand

We invite presentations on field, laboratory, and modeling studies that address water management. Presentations can include topics on water conservation techniques to strengthen the scientific rationale and quantify the impacts of both stress and management.

Monday, 9 March 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
RCC, 104

Potential lead risk and water consumption behavior in the Chicago area

Paper number: 2-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

Authors

Abstract

Background: Municipal water protects community health. Despite its benefits, many families rely on other water sources for their children. We investigated the reasons why participants choose not to give tap water to their children and whether these reasons associated with estimated lead risk. Methods: Water consumption data are from the Coordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) Study, a longitudinal cohort of young children and their families. Respondents’ residences (n=331) were geolocated at the census tract level. We used an external lead exposure risk index methodology for Chicago area counties with publicly available 2020 5-year American Community Survey data to assess potential lead risk by census tract. We performed preliminary hypothesis testing analyses to evaluate associations between the reasons for water consumption preferences and if reasons were associated with lead risk. Results: The majority (65.3%, n=216) of caregivers reported their child “never” drinks tap water. We grouped their subsequent reasons why into: safety concerns (n=114), aesthetic concerns (n=48), and preference (n=40). Those who had drinking water safety concerns were less likely to also have aesthetic concerns relative to those who did not have safety concerns (7.02 vs. 39.22; p=0.00). We found no difference in residential lead exposure risk index between those who had safety concerns and those who did not (0.79 vs. 0.79 ; p=0.96). Discussion: The choice to give children municipal tap water is a parental decision informed by risk perception. Understanding the process behind these choices is important for communities as they seek to provide safe, quality water to residents.

 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026SE-411882

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