Evaluation of water potability parameters of supply employed by public schools from Zona da Mata Mineira –MG region

Water is a common good and fundamental for economic development. Population growth has caused for water to rise in such a way that the use of alternative sources has become necessary in recente years. With regard to treated water, several problems can occur and alter the potability of the water, such as: intrusion of water from the ground due to poorly sealed or damaged pipes, corrosion of pipes and even lack of maintenance in the network and in reservoirs as boxes of water. The objective of this work was to carry out a survey to evaluated the quality of the water supply in accordance with ordinance GM/MS n. 888, which establishes the standards of water potability. In total, were analysed samples 8 in this worked, two samples from water from alternative sources that did not undergo a treatment process, due to the school being located in the rural area. All analyzed samples showed suitable values for pH, total water hardness, chloride and thermotolerant coliforms. However, three samples presented values above those established for total coliforms. The lack of maintenance and cleaning of water sources may be one of reasons for this problem