Thirsting for access? Public access to water for personal use in urban centres: A case study of Victoria, British Columbia

TitleThirsting for access? Public access to water for personal use in urban centres: A case study of Victoria, British Columbia
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsGelb K
AdvisorPrince MJ
Academic DepartmentFaculty of Human and Social Development
DegreeMaster of Arts M.A.
Date PublishedDecember 8, 2007
UniversityUniversity of Victoria (Canada)
CityVictoria, BC
Keywordspersonal use water, urban water, Victoria BC, water access
Abstract

The World Health Organization and the United Nations state that people normally access water through their place of residence. However, in North America people regularly need access to water services, such as toilets, fountains, or bathing facilities, when not in a private residence. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the current situation of access to water for personal uses for people outside a place of residence as an emergent research topic. To accomplish this, I conducted a literature review and a thematic analysis of nine key-informant interviews with stakeholders in Victoria. Findings from the research reveal that access to water for personal uses is limited in Victoria when outside a place of residence. Furthermore, the consequences and implications of this limitation directly and indirectly influence both individuals and the broader community. Finally, policy recommendations, action responses, and future research directions inform possible responses to address this issue.

URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1828/265