Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water in two Areas Following Sanitation Interventions - Belem, Para State, Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the water used for human consumption, based on microbiological characterizations in Barreiro and Maracangalha neighborhoods attended by the macrodrainage program of Una river's basin, in the Metropolitan Area of Belem, Para State, Brazil, as well as evaluate the water stored in the respective households studied. The membrane filter technique was adopted for the research of fecal contamination indicators (thermo-tolerant coliform and total coliform), and for the isolation of enteropathogens. The results obtained showed that in 18 (48.6%) and 29 (55.7%) of residences from Maracangalha [Conjunto Residencial Paraiso dos Passaros (CRPP)] and Barreiro neighborhoods, respectively, the public system water arriving at homes was of adequate quality for consumption. However, when stored without proper care, water may become contaminated with high thermo-tolerant and/or total coliform counts, representing a risk to population health.