Análise socioambiental da oferta de água, a partir da captação de águas de chuvas: estudo de caso no tanque do Araçá, Esperança - PB.

Abstract

In the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, droughts occur periodically. This fact compromises water supply and water recharge, since the variable volume of precipitation is seasonal. The lack of effective public policies and the so-called "cyclical droughts" that hit the region provide a barrier to social development and access to water. The distribution and storage of water in the semi-arid can be done, from alternative uses, such as stone tanks. These are impermeable, which allows the accumulation of water, forming a simple and inexpensive way of supply in relation to other means of supply. The objective of this study was to conduct a socio-environmental analysis of water supply from rainwater harvesting, a case study in the Araçá Tank, Esperança-PB. Also analyzed were the forms of storage and the multiple uses given to the water captured in the reservoirs, by the community in the municipality of Esperança-PB. For this purpose, microbiological analyzes and physicalchemical parameters of reservoir waters and household residences were carried out using the waters of the Araçá Tank. The collected water was evaluated in the 10 residences located near the reservoirs. The following water quality parameters were quantified: hydrogen ionic potential (pH), temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (STD), total chlorine. The data were analyzed using the ANOVA statistical test in order to observe the different variables analyzed. It was observed that the values of the physical-chemical parameters STD, Electrical Conductivity, of the Tanks reservoirs, were within the standards established by Resolution no. 357/2005 of the National Environmental Council (CONAMA), except for pH in both reservoirs, diverging from that recommended by the resolution. The microbiological samples taken in the Tanks were out of the values established by the legislation, for the purposes that the waters are destined for, due to the influence of the anthropic actions in the water bodies, as well as of the seasonal variations. In the residences analyzed, the values of the physical-chemical parameters, pH, STD, electrical conductivity (EC), were demonstrated in accordance with the Maximum Allowed Value (VMP) established by drinking water legislation, Ordinance 2914/2011 of the Ministry of Health. It was also verified that the Total Chlorine values in the residences showed results equal to 0 (zero), being in disagreement with the value established by the current water legislation. Thus, water quality and storage in these environments reflect a possible neglect of water management, which leads to waterborne diseases and social vulnerability.