Linking perceived and actual drinking water quality across rural landscapes of northern Kazakhstan
Nugmanov A. Beisenova R. Kali A. Zhupysheva A. Shamshidin I. Beisenova D.
2026Frontiers Media SA
Frontiers in Environmental Science
2026#14
Access to safe drinking water in rural areas remains a global challenge, particularly where decentralized supply systems are common and water quality is highly variable. In this study, we analyze the relationship between the chemical composition of drinking water and community perceptions of its quality in rural settlements of the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan across different landscape types. Using a mixed-methods approach, hydrochemical analyses of household water samples were conducted, ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests were applied, and village-level survey data were collected to assess the complaints, satisfaction, and water purification practices of residents. Results indicate that most water sources are of Ca–Mg–Cl–HCO3 type, with steppe villages showing higher levels of dissatisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of aligning technical water assessments with local perceptions to improve rural water governance and foster community trust in water safety initiatives. Copyright
Akmola Region , Kazakhstan , landscape , perception , source , water quality
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Environmental Management and Engineering Department, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Science, Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation, Taraz, Kazakhstan
School of Ecology, Yugra State University, Khanty Mansyisk, Russian Federation
Department of Science, LLP Smart Eco-nnect, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Botany, Karaganda Buketov University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
State Audit Department, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of the Methods of Teaching Mathematics and Computer Science, Karaganda Buketov University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Environmental Management and Engineering Department
Department of Science
School of Ecology
Department of Science
Department of Botany
State Audit Department
Department of the Methods of Teaching Mathematics and Computer Science
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