Análise da qualidade da água do campus i da UFPB e medidas de adequação para conformidade com a portaria n° 888/2021

Abstract

Water is a natural resource indispensable to human life, and access to drinking water is a fundamental human right. In Brazil, water quality standards are regulated by Ordinance No. 888/2021 of the Ministry of Health, and failure to comply with which may contribute to the spread of various waterborne diseases. In this sense, constant monitoring of water quality throughout the entire supply system is essential, from the sources of abstraction to its distribution and consumption. This work aimed to evaluate the quality of water supplied to Campus I of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) and describe, in a sectorized manner, its supply, storage and distribution system. To this end, the most relevant reservoirs for the system and the main areas served by them were considered. In addition, the groundwater collected on Campus was characterized and the quality of the water supplied by the Paraíba Water and Sewage Company (CAGEPA) was assessed. Several adaptation measures were proposed for the Campus Water Supply System (SAA), meeting the requirements of Ordinance No. 888/2021. Among the measures implemented, the development and implementation of a Sampling Plan through a water quality monitoring program stands out. This monitoring involved the daily analysis of pH and residual chlorine, the weekly analysis of turbidity, color, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli, and the semiannual evaluation of other parameters. Additionally, the introduction of chlorine tablets was proposed to guarantee the disinfectant residual required by Ordinance No. 888/2021, with periodic control and monitoring of the chlorination service. Other measures, such as the complete updating of the water distribution network, with the mapping of all the reservoirs that make up the SAA and the implementation of control over inspections, cleaning and disinfection of wells and reservoirs, have not yet been carried out. The results highlighted the high quality of the groundwater collected at Campus I, in accordance with the standards for Class I groundwater defined by CONAMA Resolution No. 396/2008. The implementation of the proposed measures highlighted the importance of chlorination for the safety of the water supplied, since its absence resulted in microbiological contamination of fecal origin in 38% of the samples analyzed in the water from one of the SAA reservoirs on Campus. This study reinforces the importance of providing quality water to the university community and the population that uses this resource directly or indirectly, contributing to collective health and well-being.