Occurrence of Escherichia coli in water sources and point-of-use in a semi-arid rural community in Brazil

Abstract

In low-income rural areas with a low education level, it is not uncommon that local environmental problems associated with water quality are unknown to the population. This contributes to a high incidence of water-related diseases. This paper aimed to analyze the presence of Escherichia coli in different water supply sources and point-of-use in the community of Olho d'Água Grande, in the semi-arid region of Alagoas, Brazil. The results showed that all the analyzed water sources in the community did not meet potability standards. Contamination verified inside the residences, improper storage in the residences, and the absence of disinfection measures underscore the importance of additional interventions besides structural improvement of the water supply system.