Propuesta para la implementación de un laboratorio de análisis básico de calidad del agua potable en el cantón Loreto

Abstract

Loreto Canton lacks a comprehensive drinking water service in all its localities, which prevents inhabitants from accessing purified water free of pollutants, increasing serious disease risk; for this reason, the objective was to develop a proposal for a water quality analysis laboratory implementation, aimed at both the authorities and the interested population. For this study, a descriptive methodology was applied based on an exhaustive national and international normative literature review, specific parameters were established for water quality evaluation, with analytical techniques, equipment, materials, and necessary reagents; in addition, the infrastructure characteristics, distribution, and adequate spacing were considered in detail, and technical protocols were developed for physical testing, chemical, and microbiological parameters, essential for the accurate drinking water quality determination. The analytical parameters considered for the laboratory tests included: arsenic, cadmium, free residual chlorine, copper, apparent color, fluorides, mercury, nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), lead, turbidity, fecal coliforms, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and pH, the required infrastructure should have an area of 204 m², and implementation cost is estimated at approximately USD 227 619.55; also, 12 technical test instructions were developed, each corresponding to the different parameters analyzed. It was concluded that to guarantee water quality in distribution, the construction of a drinking water quality laboratory in the canton of Loreto is required. It is therefore recommended that the laboratory be implemented under the standards of national and international norms, with a vision for the future and compliance with the due accreditation process.