Calidad del agua potable de las redes de distribución domiciliarias de la planta de tratamiento Santa Marianita del cantón Sucúa, Ecuador 2022

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to analyze the structure of the home networks to determine strategic points for sampling water evaluation in order to make a comparison of the quality of drinking water provided by the Santa Marianita treatment plant, located in Sucúa County with the conditions of the water consumed by the citizens after being transferred through the distribution system of the plant and the home networks. The results of the evaluation of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters were used to determine whether the water quality is within the maximum allowable limits for drinking water established by INEN 1108. Through the water analysis, it evaluated physicochemical parameters such as: turbidity, apparent color, pH, temperature, monochloramines, nitrites and nitrates as well as microbiological parameters called fecal coliforms. Three monitoring tests were carried out in the plant storage tank and in the Santa Marianita, Belén and Nuevo Israel neighborhoods taking into consideration two homes (meter and faucet) and determining that the characteristics of the drinking water is on the quality criteria of INEN 1108 and even has the optimal values set by the WHO. The data obtained were used to prepare the drinking water quality assessment map and the water quality risk index using the IRCA. Finally, it is concluded that both the plant and the distribution system are well maintained and functioning properly to deliver drinking water in optimal conditions. It is recommended that according to the regulations to continue with water quality controls, and purpose the implementation of a reservoir in order to control the amount of chlorine with reference to the flow that enters the plant and prevent water cuts to the citizens.