Water quality in sources used for human consumption in fourteen communities of El Viejo, Chinandega, Nicaragua, 2020

Abstract

In the country, pollution related to socio-economic activities and natural processes affects the quality of water for human consumption. The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of water in sources used for domestic use in communities of the municipality of El Viejo, with the purpose of generating recommendations that contribute to reducing the risk of diseases of water origin.  In 2020, the study was carried out in 14 communities of El Viejo, as part of the Collaboration Agreement between the Universidad Nacional Agraria and the Irish Catholic Agencyfor Development (Trocaire). The qualitative study evaluated the quality of water for human consumption, using 10 physico-chemical parameters (using indicator tapes and HACH multimeter) and two microbiological parameters (using Phatoscreen and Readycult Coliforms) in 12 drilled wells that supply mini-aqueducts and eight wells dug by hand for family or community use. The sources studied supply 1 496 families (5 760 people). The values obtained from the physical-chemical parameters indicate that water from most sources is acceptable for consumption, according to the Water Quality Standards for Human Consumption (CAPRE Regional Standard) and the World Health Organization Guidelines for the Quality of Water for Human Consumption. However, to reduce high values of hardness and salinity in some wells, it is suggested to treat the water intended for consumption. From the point of view of biological quality, between 75% (July sampling) and 85% of the sources (November sampling), water consumption posed a health risk due to contamination with bacteria of the coliform group and/or Escherichia coli, which cause diarrhoeal diseases. The presence of phosphate, ammonium and/or nitrate in several of the sources shows a trend of contamination by organic and inorganic waste, washed away by water from surrounding areas. The results suggest the need to develop the Water Security Plan for each source, in order to ensure the application of good practices in the supply of water for human consumption.