An information disclosure technique for reducing citizens' concerns about tap water quality

An information disclosure technique is proposed to reduce citizens' concerns about tap water quality. Psychological factors to reduce citizens' concerns were identified based on a cognitive appraisal model. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted to statistically evaluate the effect of the types of information to the concern level of citizens about tap water quality. The results of the survey showed that the information that increases citizens' trust or controllability (i.e. citizens' perceptions that they can control the risk of tap water quality themselves) is effective in reducing their concern about tap water quality.