Análise da qualidade da água distribuída em Itacoatiara-AM durante secas extremas

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the quality of water distributed in the municipality of Itacoatiara, Amazonas State, during periods of extreme drought and dry conditions, by assessing variations in physicochemical and microbiological parameters and their impacts on the public water supply system. To this end, a concise description of the processes of water abstraction, treatment, storage, and distribution was conducted, along with an analysis of secondary data derived from physicochemical and microbiological analyses performed by the Autonomous Water and Sewage Service of Itacoatiara. The results indicated seasonal variations in pH values, followed by fluctuations in turbidity and free residual chlorine, particularly during dry periods. Regarding microbiological parameters, sporadic occurrences of total coliforms were observed, whereas Escherichia coli was absent in all analyzed samples, and heterotrophic bacteria exhibited low values, indicating adequate operational control of the system. Overall, no sanitary impairment was identified, demonstrating that the treatment system showed satisfactory performance in the face of climatic adversities. It is concluded that continuous monitoring and the strengthening of operational management are essential to ensure the quality and safety of the water supplied to the population, especially under scenarios of intensified droughts in the Amazon region.