Storage tanks for household water usage in Brazil: Microbiological and chemical quality, and maintenance of sanitary conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17696/2318-3691.28.1.2021.1802Keywords:
Water quality; Household tank; Microbiological techniques; Water physicochemical characteristics; Promotion of healthAbstract
Introduction: Storage tanks for household water usage guarantees convenience and safety for consumers in relation to water intermittency. Neglecting a minimal care for storage tanks can turn them into a source of water unfit for consumption. Objective: Evaluate the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of water in household tanks to highlight the need for individual actions to guarantee the quality of water consumed at home. Methods: Residents of 217 homes answered a questionnaire to gather information about the water storage tank conditions and maintenance. Chlorine dosing, pH and temperature measurements were performed in situ and metal analyses were made using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The presence of parasites was evaluated using the spontaneous sedimentation technique and presence of bacteria from the coliform groups (total and fecal) were made using the multiple-tube technique with the chromogenic substrate. Results: Results showed that 115 participants knew the correct storage tank maintenance period and 109 participants did not perform the storage tank maintenance at the recommended frequency. Mean values of chlorine, pH, and temperature were 1.34 mg/L, 6.5, and 25.4 ºC, respectively. Average concentrations of metals were below the maximum values allowed. Parasites and bacteria were not detected. Tests indicated the water samples were in accordance with the potable water quality standards endorsed or recommended by the Brazilian legislation. Conclusion: Results did not show microbiological contamination in study samples. Nevertheless, it is necessary to keep the population regularly informed about the importance to maintain storage water tanks clean. Currently, there is a growing concern with the development of individual actions aimed at human health and prevention of water-related diseases concerning its access and use. Therefore, we need health education programs to guide community participation into the promotion of a better quality of life.References
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