Toilet to Tap: Qualitative study to assess water quality and sanitation services to inform the implementation of a novel waste water initiative in rural Mexico

Background: The majority of those without improved sanitation and water services are poorer people living in rural areas. One rural area in need of improved water availability and sanitation facilities is colonia Vicente Guerrero in Baja California. The purpose of the study was to gather qualitative data to inform the plans to implement a waste water sanitation project.

Methods: The PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to develop the semi-structured focus group guide and organize the findings. Three focus groups were conducted with 21 adults, aged 21-53 years, living in the colonia to explore: sanitation knowledge and practices, water availability and quality, and attitudes and perceptions towards waste water.

Results: Water availability and quality were a main concern. Residents receive unscheduled yellow colored, highly salinized, pipe water at odd hours, leaving many without water. The environment was also a major issue. Primarily, the lack of sanitation facilities, open defecation, and poor waste management. Participants also expressed feelings of insecurity due to loitering and vandalism. Besides having little or no knowledge, participants were open to the installation of a waste water system. Participants were eager to learn about the installation and provided valuable insight for placement, maintenance and security.

Conclusions: Focus groups provided rich insight to current conditions of water quality and availability as well as lack of sanitation practices. The findings indicate the urgent need to improve water and sanitation services as well health education and policies to improve living conditions and overall health in the colonia.