Quality of Potable Water Throughout the Distribution Network in Kinshasa: Public Confidence Levels and Influencing Factors

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mention of Environmental Sciences and Management/Faculty of Sciences and Technologies/University of Kinshasa (Unikin ).

2 Regional Water School (ERE), University of Kinshasa (Unikin ).

3 Centre d’Excellence Chimie, Biologie, Radiologie et Nucléaire de République Démocratique du Congo (CoE-CBRN/RDC)

4 Faculty of Geology/ University of Science and Technology of Lodja.

5 Mention Geosciences/Faculty of Science and Technology/University of Kinshasa (Unikin ).

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, due to rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and persistent concerns about water quality. This study aimed to assess consumers’ perceptions of tap water quality, evaluate their level of confidence in water supplied by REGIDESO, and identify factors influencing trust. A cross-sectional survey combining online and face-to-face data collection was conducted among 378 REGIDESO subscribers. Descriptive statistics were used to examine perceptions and levels of confidence.

The results showed that 65.3% of respondents lacked confidence in tap water quality, whereas only 26.2% expressed complete confidence. Sensory concerns related to taste and odor (47.4%), negative personal experiences (41.0%), and insufficient communication from the water utility (13.8%) emerged as the principal drivers of distrust. Furthermore, 73% of participants reported greater confidence in bottled water supplied by private companies than in tap water distributed by REGIDESO. More than half of respondents (56%) were unaware of the origin of their drinking water, revealing a substantial information gap.

These findings highlight the importance of transparent communication, regular dissemination of water quality information, and stronger consumer engagement to rebuild public trust. Despite limitations related to the non-probabilistic sampling approach and the overrepresentation of male and highly educated respondents, this study provides valuable empirical evidence on public perceptions of drinking water in a rapidly growing African metropolis. Strengthening communication strategies and stakeholder involvement may contribute to improving confidence in public water services and promoting sustainable access to safe drinking water in Kinshasa.

Keywords

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Journal of Hydraulic and Water Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 1
July 2025
Pages 107-119

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