Water Surveillance and Public Health Strategies in São João do Miriti, Manacapuru

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159562515012

• Palavras-chave: water surveillance, public health, water contamination, artesian wells, sustainability

• Keywords: water surveillance, public health, water contamination, artesian wells, sustainability

• Abstract:

  Water quality is an essential factor for public health, especially in communities that rely on artesian wells as a source of supply. Since 1977, Brazilian legislation has emphasized the importance of monitoring water quality, an essential measure to ensure public health and access to water resources as a fundamental human right. This study aimed to implement an effective water surveillance system for the community of São João do Miriti, in Manacapuru, Amazonas, in order to prevent water-related diseases. This is an extension project of a qualitative and quantitative nature, which combined bibliographical and field research. The methodology included collecting water samples for chemical, physical and biological analysis, distributing educational material and improving the local water infrastructure. The results indicated the presence of fecal coliforms in one of the wells analyzed, leading to the adoption of corrective measures such as chlorinating the well, cleaning the area and raising community awareness. It can be concluded that ongoing surveillance, combined with health education and improvements to infrastructure, is essential to guaranteeing access to drinking water in vulnerable communities. Integration between academic institutions, public authorities and civil society is crucial to achieving sustainable and effective solutions.