Factors associated with the perception of the problem of scarce potable water available for domestic use in the Nazas-Aguanaval river basin, Mexico

Northern Mexico is characterized by its arid zones, which implies that little water is naturally available. In the municipalities of San Pedro del Gallo and Mapimí, Durango, Mexico there is little annual precipitations, therefore what prevails is water deficiency for human consumption. In this study, questionaries were applied to households in these municipalities with the objective of determining, by means of logistic regression, which are the main factors that affect the perception of the inhabitants regarding the problem of available water scarcity. The results can be a useful criterion for establishing strategies and defining policies that improve access to water in the necessary quantity and quality in the localities inhabited by the participating citizens. The results indicate that water quality and satisfaction with quantity have a positive influence, while educational level has a negative influence on the perception of the problem. In this context, the most influential variable is satisfaction with quantity.