Australians say they would pay more for ensuring 'good quality' drinking water than it would actually cost to provide it. 

Despite Australia's status as one of the world's most developed countries, many of its rural and remote communities lack access to safe and clean drinking water. 

Contaminants like arsenic, PFAS, and uranium have been detected in various water sources and supply systems. 

This issue not only affects Australia but is also prevalent in other affluent nations, including Canada and the USA.

In 2018-19, 395 small, rural, and remote communities failed to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 

Moreover, around 500 communities with more than 50 residents lack water quality monitoring, underscoring a systemic problem. 

The Productivity Commission and Infrastructure Australia have highlighted that these deficiencies exacerbate social inequalities.

Residents in communities without quality tap water often resort to expensive alternatives like bottled water, which can cost up to 2,000 times more than tap water. 

This not only strains household finances but can also lead to increased consumption of soft drinks, particularly in rural and remote areas.

A recent study, involving over 3,500 Australians, revealed a willingness to pay between $324 and $847 annually for 10 years to ensure access to good drinking water across the country. This sentiment was uniform across urban and rural residents, highlighting a national consensus on the issue.

The study estimated that Australians are willing to pay between $1.2 to $4.7 billion per year for 10 years to achieve this goal. In contrast, the cost to provide 'good quality' drinking water in 395 affected communities is estimated between $0.2 billion to $1.3 billion.

Addressing this challenge requires not only financial investment but also technical training, cultural competence, cross-agency collaboration, and a tailored approach. 

Drawing from successful examples in remote Australian communities, such as those in the Torres Strait, a community-centric approach is vital.

This research, featured in the journal Nature Water, underscores the Australian public's willingness to invest in quality drinking water for all, offering a strong impetus for governmental action. 

The study advocates for genuine partnerships with communities lacking clean water, aligning with the principle of providing an adequate standard of living and closing the gap for Indigenous Australians.