PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF DESALINATED WATER IN CHENNAI

Abstract

Urban water insecurity has emerged as a pressing concern in rapidly expanding coastal cities such as Chennai, where increasing population pressure, erratic monsoon patterns, and unsustainable groundwater extraction have significantly disrupted traditional water supply systems. In response to this growing crisis, desalination has been adopted as a reliable, climate-independent alternative capable of ensuring a stable and continuous water supply. Despite the technological advancements and infrastructural expansion in desalination, its long-term success is critically dependent on public awareness, perception, and behavioural acceptance.This study aims to examine the level of awareness and perception of desalinated water among urban households in Chennai and to analyse how these factors influence the willingness to accept desalinated water as a primary source for domestic consumption. The research adopts a mixed-method approach by integrating both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 150 households using a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from government reports and institutional publications such as those of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Statistical techniques including awareness index, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were employed to identify relationships between variables.