Linking behavioural patterns and water quality: A statistical exploration of groundwater uses in rural Bangladesh

Groundwater serves as a crucial and widely trusted source of drinking water in rural Bangladesh. However, ensuring its safety and quality remains a growing concern due to its direct impact on public health. This study examines the perceptions of rural communities regarding drinking water quality and safety in a representative area of Kushtia District. A total of 126 household surveys were conducted using a structured questionnaire with a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.955). Statistical analysis, including multiple linear regression, revealed a strong model fit (R = 0.885), with water pollution behaviour emerging as the most significant predictor influencing perceptions of water quality and health impacts. Household water consumption patterns were significantly correlated with household size and filter usage, highlighting socioeconomic influences. Physical water issues like iron contamination, discoloration, and occasional arsenic presence were commonly reported, raising health concerns. Cluster analysis classified households into 3 distinct groups, demonstrating that increased awareness is positively linked with the tendency to consume safe water and expectation from local authorities. These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness campaigns, infrastructure updates, and equitable access to filtration systems to ensure safe and sustainable water use in rural areas. • Assess the groundwater use behaviour and risk perception in ground water dependent rural area of Kushtia District, Bangladesh. • Demonstrates that perceived health impact is more strongly associated with water pollution behaviour than by income or education. • Reveals that household size and filter use significantly influence groundwater consumption patterns. • Identifies three distinct household composition linking behaviour, perception and groundwater safety. • Provides evidence-based insights to support targeted awareness programs and decentralized water management interventions.