Introduction

Water contamination is a pressing challenge at the global scale. Along with other neighbours, Pakistan is not an exception among other countries, where protecting water resources and battling pollution are critical issues. Significantly, urbanization and industrialization due to the exponential growth of the population is intensifying the situation. So, public understanding of pollution and its implications is necessary. This is why this study sought to evaluate the public's understanding of water quality, contamination sources, and related obligations in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods

An investigation of the various sociodemographic elements influencing the perception of water pollution (POWP) was carried out through a questionnaire survey. These variables were used in conjunction with the statistical analysis programs SPSS and R to examine the effects of these variables on the community's opinion of the quality of the drinking water and how it affects human health.

Results

The results show that between 60 and 70 percent of the people in the research region were aware of the quality of the water and the risks that are linked with it. Notably, 76 percent of them agreed that there is a connection between water pollution and health problems. Higher income and educational levels were associated with a noticeably better comprehension of the health effects of water pollution. Worrisomely, diarrhoea turned out to be the most common waterborne illness.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential use of public perception for policymakers in developing interventions for water management and behavioural change strategies, emphasising social and technological drivers, in addition to tackling the urgent issue of water pollution and scarcity.