Monitoramento e avaliação da qualidade da água de solução alternativa coletiva de abastecimento de escolas públicas do município de Itatiba, SP

Abstract

Introduction: Security of water supply is extremely important for public health, especially for school-age children who can stay in schools for five to eight hours a day. Water can contain a variety of contaminants that, at high levels, have been linked to a range of diseases in children. Objective: To evaluate, during 12 months, the quality of well water used as collective alternative supply solutions in 10 public schools in the city of Itatiba (SP). Method: Samples of water from the well, reservoir and drinking water were collected, totaling 100 samples, and chemical, physical, organoleptic and microbiological parameters provided for in Consolidation Ordinance No. 5, of September 28, 2017, Annex XX, were analyzed; additionally, a research was done related to the presence of foreign matter and protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. Results: Only three schools presented results in accordance with the legislation; the other had the presence of microorganisms (29.0% of total coliform and 9.0% of E. coli, in the total of analyzed samples), protozoa (15.0%), and of results above the maximum permitted value (MPV) for apparent color (8.0%), turbidity (11.0%), Fe (12.0%), Zn and Pb (5.0%). Conclusions: The results in disagreement with the legislation interfere with the water quality offered in the schools, being associated with the lack of investment in well infrastructure and chlorination of the water. It is also observed a differential in the school that has partnership with the water treatment company of the municipality. This partnership should be maintained and, if possible, expanded to other schools.