Factors Impacting Adoption of and Experience with Point-of-Use Activated Carbon Faucet Mount Water Filters

Authors

• Aubrey Gilliland, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Victoria Peluso, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Corisandra Leyton-High, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Susanne Straif-Bourgeois, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Kari Brisolara, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Greg Pierce, University of California at Los Angeles
• Kelsey Pieper, Northeastern University
• Adrienne Katner, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow

Abstract

Introduction: Public health officials increasingly rely on point-of-use drinking water filters (POUs) to reduce waterborne lead exposures, and upcoming regulatory changes will soon require utilities to distribute POUs under certain conditions. While POUs are generally a costeffective measure for reducing lead exposure, they may not be adoptable by all households. To promote sustained adoption of POUs, we need to understand the situational and technical factors which may facilitate or impede adoption. Methods: Study participants were interviewed before and after field-testing of activated carbon faucet mount POU filters to identify factors impacting adoption in New Orleans and Enterprise, Louisiana, both sites where waterborne lead presented a challenge (n=17). Results: Adoption of POUs is technologically infeasible under certain water quality conditions (high particulates) and in homes with modern or obsolete plumbing. Other adoption barriers include lack ofreplacement parts in rural areas, and a need for guidance on product installation, use, and maintenance. There was some incorrect usage of POU filters by almost half the participants. Discussion: This study is pertinent to public health as Louisiana’s drinking water infrastructure received a grade of D- by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The use of POUs as a lead exposure reduction and regulatory compliance option is increasing. It is important that public health practitioners educate themselves on the technical and situational barriers to POU adoption. Conclusions: Activated carbon faucet-mount POUs should not be considered a panacea for all water quality problems: rather they should be used in a multi-pronged approach to ensure the drinking water safety.

DOI

10.59020/95245

Recommended Citation

Gilliland, Aubrey; Peluso, Victoria; Leyton-High, Corisandra; Straif-Bourgeois, Susanne; Brisolara, Kari; Pierce, Greg; Pieper, Kelsey; and Katner, Adrienne (2023) "Factors Impacting Adoption of and Experience with Point-of-Use Activated Carbon Faucet Mount Water Filters," Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association: Vol. 3: No. 3, Article 8.
DOI: 10.59020/95245
Available at: https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/jlpha/vol3/iss3/8