Poor water quality drives bottled-water consumption (BWC) in developing countries, whilst plastic bottle disposal exacerbates global environmental problems. This article presents data on drinking-water attitudes, norms, and behaviours from 380 residents randomly surveyed in Herat, Afghanistan. Structural equation modelling found attitudes and norms affected drinking-water and plastic-disposal behaviours. Regression models explained 60 per cent of future BWC-Intention variance. Education, perceived behavioural control, and household size positively affected BWC. Most believed BWC supports healthy lifestyles. Residents believed they could act pro-environmentally, yet threw away bottles, rather than recycle or reuse, and endorsed BWC. Findings reveal pro-environmental government policy, regulation, and education are necessary to counter BWC advertising and overcome structural factors inhibiting safe and secure municipal drinking-water supply. Improved water governance and municipal infrastructure are urgently required to meet UN sustainability development goals (SDG) to reduce infant mortality rates, improve waste and water supply management, and provide water security in Afghanistan.
