Relationships between Water Quality Index (WQI) and Community Participation in Water Resource Conservation in Phum Duang River, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objective : Phum Duang River is an important river for many people in Surat Thani Province. Most communities use water for consumption, especially the production of village tap water in many sub-districts of Khiri Rat Nikhom District. In addition, in Phun Phin District, raw water from the Pum Duang River is used to produce tap water for the Provincial Waterworks Authority. The study conducted by the Environment Office Region 14 on the water quality of the Pum Duang River found that the water quality meets the standards for surface water resources. However, coliform bacteria may be present in densely populated areas. In addition, it was found that the areas along the Pum Duang River in many sub-districts experienced significant coastal erosion. As a result, communities are affected in their use of raw water for both tap water production and general purposes. So that the community can participate in taking care of water quality and make better use of the water, this research aims to study the relationship between the water quality index and community participation in water resource and water quality management in the Pum Duang River area of Surat Thani Province.

Methodology: The questionnaires and WQI were applied as a tool in this research. The sample groups for questionnaires were representatives from 400 households along Phum Duang river bank. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics i.e. frequency, mean, percentage standard deviation, t-test and f-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient in 4 aspects: physical, cognitive, emotional and ownership participations.

Main Results: The results of the study of the water quality index of the Pum Duang River, the average water quality index (WQI) of 76, is at a good level. Descriptive statistic results illustrated: 1) moderate physical, cognitive, and emotional participation with the X-Bar value at 2.68 ± 0.80, 2.55 ± 0.84, and 2.55 ± 0.84 respectively, and 2) moderate ownership participation with X-Bar at 3.04 ± 0.74. Consequently, Pearson’s correlation coefficient results illustrated: 1) negative high correlation for physical and cognitive participation with the r value at -0.779 (sig=0.05) and -0.933 (sig=0.01) respectively, 2) negative less correlation for emotional participation with the r value -0.482 (sig=0.680), and 3) positive high correlation for ownership participation with the r value 0.931 (sig=0.01).

Conclusions: The study of the relationship between the Water Quality Index (WQI) and community participation in water resource conservation in the Pum Duang River area of Surat Thani Province found that the average water quality is within the standards for surface water sources. The Water Quality Index (WQI) averaged 76 points. The relationship between the Water Quality Index (WQI) and average community participation in the five areas is at a moderate level. This includes Physical Participation (r=-0.779, sig=0.432), Cognitive Participation (r=-0.933, sig=0.234), Emotional Participation (r=-0.482, sig=0.680), and Ownership Participation (r=0.931, sig=0.237). The study found that community participation in water resource conservation and water quality management is very important. Various activities are managed and operated by people in the community. Therefore, stimulating awareness and involving the community in determining measures to maintain water quality are crucial factors.