Cámara Argentina del Agua (CAA) conducted a study aimed at understanding public perceptions, concerns, and behaviours related to water management in Argentina. It focused on how water influences daily decision-making, corporate accountability, and national priorities, emphasising the sustainable use of this vital resource.
Findings form the study suggest that Argentinians view water as a cornerstone of sustainable development and are demanding significant reforms from industries, the government, and individuals. This shared responsibility is pivotal to balancing economic growth with long-term environmental stewardship.
Below are details of the study and key findings.
Technical Details:
- Study Type: Online survey
- Sample Size: 1443 respondents (Argentine adults with internet access)
- Error Margin: ±2.6%
- Research Period: September 23-30, 2024
- Methodology: Data collected via semi-structured questionnaires, analysed with SPSS.
Key Findings:
- Relevance of Water in Daily Decisions:
- 64% consider water a critical factor when deciding where to live.
- Over half (58%) would change brands for those with more responsible water practices, a trend stronger among women and people aged 55+.
- Public Awareness and Knowledge:
- 75% recognise regional disparities in water availability.
- However, 70% are unfamiliar with the term “water footprint””. Misconceptions about its meaning are widespread.
- Corporate Responsibility and Trust:
- 88% are concerned about industries’ water use, but scepticism persists regarding their plans to mitigate water crises.
- Respondents expect transparency, with 69% prioritising information on wastewater management and 56% on total water usage.
- National Priorities:
- 70% believe ensuring sustainable water management should be a top domestic priority over contributing to global efforts.
- Environmental and Health Concerns:
- The public identifies major consequences of irresponsible water use, such as water scarcity (71%), pollution (68%), and harm to biodiversity (62%).
- Future challenges include climate-related issues, with 41% citing water scarcity as Argentina’s primary concern.
- Perceptions of Industries:
- Agriculture, food and beverage production, and energy sectors are viewed as the highest consumers of water.
- Respondents demand technological investments in recycling and efficiency, as well as cultural shifts within companies.
Read the full report (in spanish): Los argentinos y el agua.
