DETERMINATION OF THE NATURAL VULNERABILITY TO CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD NOSSA SENHORA DO PERPéTUO SOCORRO IN SANTA MARIA - RS

Groundwater resources are an important water reserve, requiring their constant monitoring and protection. This study aims determine the natural vulnerability to contamination of groundwater in the area of Bairro Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Santa Maria - RS. To determine the vulnerability was used the "GOD" methodology , G - Groundwater hydraulic confinement O - overlaying strata, D - depth to groundwater table (Foster et., 2003). Were analyzed 54 alternative sources: 19 of them are dug wells, 23 are tube wells, two are sources springs and 10 wells are disabled. About wells in operation, 30 of them use submersible pumps or compressors (air lift), and in 12 water is removed manually (bucket wells). The dug wells are in areas that varies of negligible to high vulnerability. The two sources / springs are located in negligible vulnerable areas. Based in this study I could conclude there are several wells constructed in an irregular manner, presenting health risk to the population that uses underground water for human consumption. In areas of considerable vulnerability is essential a frequent monitoring of groundwater quality to avoid human contact with polluted waters.