Análise da qualidade da água do sistema público de abastecimento e das fontes alternativas da cidade de Cabaceiras - PB

Abstract

Water is a natural resource essential for economic and social development, so, it is fundamental to know the available quantity and quality in each region. the Cabaceiras city has just over two thousand inhabitants, is situated in the micro region Paraíba eastern cariri and the average rainfall in the city is one of the lowest in the country (350 mm / year). The city has a public water supply system derived from surface source (Acude Epitácio Pessoa) and also a system of collective alternative sources supplied by artesian wells. This study has characterized, through physical, chemical and microbiological indicators, the water quality of these two forms of supply, and related to the risks associated with its consumption. Ten points distributed in the city were analyzed , four on public supply system and six on alternative sources system. The indicators Turbidity and free chlorine showed higher frequency of non-compliance on points of the public supply system. The waters derived from alternative sources system showed high concentrations of nitrate and heterotrophic bacteria, however, the well with a desalination system showed reduced values of these indicators as well as reducing conductivity, indicating good treatment efficiency. Applied forms reported intermittent water supply service, 82% of the city's residences are supplied only three days a week. In addition to assessing the quality and availability of water, were also generated maps with the aid of a geographic information system, to link water quality with spatial variables. It was found that the groundwater is vulnerable to contamination derived from wastewater.