Management of waste associated with the management of water resources : survey of indicators of environmental health for a neighborhood in the city of Conceição de Macabu / RJ

Abstract

The water use generates conflicts because of its multiplicity and distinct purposes, causing increase of demands in qualitative and quantitative aspects. Nowadays, the unsuitable final destination of sewage is one of the main problems of hydric systems. In proposing solutions for the found demands, many aspects must be considered in a systemic and integrated way,including the assessment of the distinct environmental conditions of the place. In this case study, the Piteira community in Conceição de Macabu city (RJ) was evaluated through the social and environmental diagnosis, giving emphasis to the sanitary conditions, like water supply and wastewater treatment, as well as their influence in the local environment conditions. The information gathering started in June 2007, carrying research in field with quarterly medium frequency to June 2008. The obtained results, had show there are indicative that the consumed water for local residents is out of the potability standard. It was observed that although there is lack of information of the population about the water quality, there is an evident perception on the part of residents about problems related to this resource. However, the educational degree of the population observed, and the lack of correct information about the environmental sanitation disguises the water quality conditions, with reflect in the public health. It was also observed, deficiencies in the wastewater treatment system, with effluents release in inadequate conditions in the Macabuzinho river. This preliminary work allows the creation of a starting point to the development of environmental education programs, promoting the democratization of sanitation information, in order to allow the qualified participation of the residents, sensitizing them. In this sense, the importance of the incentive to this mobilization and to the participation is emphasized, once that it can allow the search of mitigation alternatives of the presented environmental impacts.