Percepção ambiental e qualidade da água na rede de distribuição : um estudo de caso sobre Nísia Floresta-RN

Abstract

Universal and equitable access to drinking water represents a major challenge for humanity, as it is directly linked to the quality of life and health of the population. With the aim of evaluating the population's environmental perception in relation to the public water supply service, especially given the challenge of meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, environmental perception studies are consolidated as an important tool. A literary review was sent before applying a validated and adapted form, containing closed and open questions. A field survey was carried out with 92 users of the Nísia Floresta Water Supply System (SAA), located in the Metropolitan Region of Natal, between March and September 2023. The objective of the research was to evaluate the socioeconomic characterization and environmental perception of the population, including the degree of satisfaction and reliability of residents in relation to the water supplied by the public system. The results show that the population often associates the taste of chlorine as the main reason for water contamination, but is unaware of the results of the quality control published monthly by the Companhia de Águas e Esgotos do Rio Grande do Norte (CAERN) in their water bills. . To disseminate the results of the research, a training course was given to Community Health Agents and Agents to Combat Endemic Diseases from the Municipal Health Department, entitled Fundamentals of water treatment and water supply systems (SAA) and control and monitoring water quality in the distribution network.