Tap Trust
There has been limited focus on home tap-water–based interventions as a strategy to reduce sugary drink intake among families with preschoolers. When families feel confident their tap water is safe and appealing, they are more likely to drink more water and fewer sugary drinks, supporting healthier weight, better dental health, and lower household costs.
Goal
To test whether a home-based Tap Trust intervention that includes tap water testing, tailored remediation and education, improves tap water security and increases water (vs. sugar-sweetened beverage) intake among low-income, predominantly Latinx preschoolers and their parents.
Eligible Centers
Parent–child dyads (preschool-aged children) enrolled in childcare centers that participated in Healthy Drinks, Healthy Futures (HDHF)
Families in Santa Clara County, California
English- or Spanish-speaking
Not planning to move during the 6-month study period
Tap trust - Healthy Drinks, Healthy Futures Program
Home tap water testing (47 analytes) via an EPA-certified laboratory; easy mail-in kits with video instructions
Personalized results shared via a secure web dashboard and written report
Tailored remediation plan (e.g., NSF-certified filtered pitcher or sink-mounted filter) based on contaminants and/or aesthetic issues (taste, odor, appearance)
Zoom/phone consults to review results and remediation options
Education & counseling on choosing safe tap water over bottled water and SSBs (motivational interviewing)
HDHF materials for home use, including reusable parent/child water bottles and a personalized child beverage report
*Tap Trust is a randomized controlled trial; some families start now while others receive the materials after the evaluation.
Evaluation
To see if the program is effective, researchers will conduct:
Surveys of participating parents/guardians
Cost tracking to compare usual household water costs (bottled, filters, etc.) with Tap Trust implementation costs
$100 for each participating parent/guardian for help with evaluation
Estimated time (Over project year)
Parents/caregivers: 5 hours
Policy Implications
Findings can inform WIC, SNAP, and home-visiting program enhancements, guide school/childcare beverage policies, and support utilities and public health agencies in deploying low-cost, scalable strategies (home testing + targeted filtration + education) to increase trust in tap water and reduce SSB intake.
Study Status
Recruiting
Funder
Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment — Realizing Environmental Innovation Program (REIP)
Collaborators
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University