Solução alternativa de abastecimento de água para consumo humano em comunidades difusas: monitoramento e controle de qualidade da água.

Abstract

Water shortage is one of the principle problems affecting survival and the quality of life of rural communities of the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil. This problem is caused by irregular rainfull and the poor quality of available drinking water reflected in the high incidences of water borne diseases. The main objective of the present work was the monitoring of water quality in the alternative water distribution systems of various isolated rural communities in the region. The sources of water were as follows: wells, cisterns and desalinated water. The results showed seasonal variation and elevated levels of E. coli in water samples from wells and cisterns. The membranes of the pre-treatment microfiltration stage of the desalination system was also evaluated. These results showed that microfiltration membranes were very efficient at retaining coliform bacteria. The desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis in the rural communities met the potable water consent levels of the Brazilian Ministry of Health and demonstrated the suitability of this treatment system for providing water for human consumption in rural communities of the semi-arid region of the Northeast.