WATER COMSUMPTION AND USER PERCEPTION ABOUT THE RACIONAL USE OF WATER IN STATE SCHOOLS OF TRIÂNGULO MINEIRO, BRAZIL

Abstract

Among environmental subjects the necessity of rational practices and water savings is important in the containporaneous society. In the public schools the inadequate use of the water is frequent, as well as the existence of leakages in the hydraulical installations and the use of non-economic hydraulic equipments. This paper aims at evaluating the water consumption and perception index by the users concerning this natural resource in school. Specifically, factors were investigated in twelve public schools of the Minas Gerais State, located in the Triângulo Mineiro region. Through questionnaires, direct interviews and comments it was characterized the form as the water is used in the schools. Information was obtained for the calculation of water use perception index concerning its rational use, according to Ywashima (2005) methodology. It was observed some inconsistency between consumption indicator and perception index in the year 2011, possibly because of wrong data of monthly water consumption (error on hydrometer reading) and existence of leakages not detectable or error in the number of students in schools. In general, the water users have the knowledge of the attitudes to be employed to promote the water savings. Some actions for the rational use of water are proposed. Keywords: water consumption index, water rational use, perception index, public schools, Triângulo mineiro.