HEALTH AND SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF GROUNDWATER USERS IN THE DISTRICT NOSSA SENHORA DO PERPéTUO SOCORRO IN SANTA MARIA - RS

This study aimed enroll alternative water sources, obtain information about socio-environmental, health and spread the importance of preserving water resources among users of groundwater in the District Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Santa Maria - RS. From 54 alternative sources found, 19 are dug wells, 23 are tube wells, two are sources and 10 wells are disabled. Were administered questionnaires and collected blood and feces of users of alternative sources for clinical analysis. We obtained the number of 109 people, of different ages and socio-economic situations that used groundwater as a source of supply. From this total, 59% reported having no guidance about issues related to water, 63% of households reported having knowledge and that contaminated water could lead harm to human health. Were found no traces of contamination in the feces and blood collected from the users of alternative sources. The large number of users of wells and springs and low levels of knowledge about waterborne diseases makes necessary conduct semiannual reviews of water diagnosing changes in water quality standards, thus preventing possible health problems related to water.