Water quality consumed, dissemination and awareness among residents of the Élisson Prieto neighborhood, Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Ensuring that 99% of the population has access to clean water is one of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, in vulnerable areas, such as irregular urban occupations, high rates of waterborne diseases can be observed due to the lack of sanitation. In this context, this work evaluated the water quality of the Élisson Prieto neighborhood (“Ocupação do Glória”), in Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and promoted awareness among the population about the importance of basic sanitation and diseases associated with the consumption of contaminated water. After mapping the area, water samples were collected and analyzed from 25 homes, of which the presence of coliform bacteria was detected in six points. These results indicated that the sanitary condition of the neighborhood is poor, exposing the population to health risks. The awareness process was carried out through an informative lecture, distribution of booklets, and application of questionnaires to residents. The local community was instructed on the correct decontamination and storage of water for consumption and hygiene care. The results indicated that this extension project was an important tool for transmitting the knowledge acquired at the university to the population about water quality and its impacts on health.