Análise dos serviços de saneamento básico e sua relação com o meio ambiente e a saúde pública no município de São Bento, Maranhão

Abstract

The lack of basic sanitation can lead to a series of health problems, such as the spread of waterborne diseases and the proliferation of vectors, such as the dengue mosquito, in addition to harming the environment. Water plays a vital role in maintaining life, and it is of utmost importance to ensure its distribution and quality. In Brazil, although there have been advances in recent decades, many regions still face challenges due to the lack of basic sanitation. The objective of this study was to contribute to the identification of the main problems related to basic sanitation in the city of São Bento, in the state of Maranhão. To achieve this, data available in the water Quality Surveillance Information System for Human Consumption (Sisagua) for the periods from 2014 to 2019 were analyzed. Subsequently, the following variables were investigated: presence of free residual chlorine, total coliforms, presence of Escherichia coli, color, pH, and water turbidity. Based on the analyzed variables, the presence of total coliforms and E. coli was found in 25% of the samples collected between 2014 and 2019 for the municipality, which is not by water potability standards. An alarming fact is the physicochemical parameter of free residual chlorine, which showed a concerning result compared to the other parameters, as 50% of the samples had values below the recommended levels. The quality and monitoring of water in São Bento do not comply with current legislation, requiring the implementation of corrective measures. It is crucial to intensify the monitoring and inspection of water distribution to ensure the safety of the supply, as the health and wellbeing of the city's residents depend on it.