Factors for the Decision to Drink Tap Water in Three Metropolitan Areas of Mexico

Abstract

Most of the urban population in Mexico does not drink tap water despite having access to that service in their homes. This paper quantitatively analyzes key factors that explain this decision in three metropolitan areas: Mexico City; Monterrey, Nuevo León state; and Villahermosa, Tabasco state. Using an econometric model, the effects of satisfaction with the quality of water and service, and socioeconomic and local aspects regarding the decision to drink tap water are estimated. The results allow us to arrive at two conclusions: firstly, that promoting the intake of tap water requires the implementation of an effective regulation of the quality of the water supplied and the incentivization of better operating performance. Secondly, ensuring the quality of water service should be a social policy priority since the population with lower incomes is more likely to drink water from the public network.