Health Risk Assessment Associated With the Quality of Water Consumed In Educational Institutions in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study was to apply Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess the health risks associated with the water quality provided to five educational institutions in the municipality of São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, Brazil, and to classify them according to their risk level. Theoretical Framework: Risk analysis is an activity related to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). However, this analysis can be conducted independently. The Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), also known as the Breakage Types and Consequences Analysis, is a systematic risk analysis tool used to identify, prioritize, and mitigate potential failure modes in products, processes, or systems. In this study, FMEA is employed to determine whether the final quality of the water distributed to consumers meets the legally established standards. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes the collection and analysis of water samples from two points within five different educational institutions. Water monitoring was conducted once per month between March and November 2023. The parameters evaluated were turbidity, apparent color, pH, free residual chlorine (FRC), total coliforms, and E. coli. In defining the potential failures listed in the FMEA form, four physicochemical and two microbiological parameters were considered. To assess the representativeness of the listed hazards and quantify them, scores/indices for severity (S), occurrence (O), detection (D), and risk scope (A) were established. Finally, the risk (R) was calculated, and the hazards were ranked accordingly. Results and Discussion: The risk assessment results indicate that the most urgent corrective measures should focus on the educational institutions (EIs) receiving water from Individual Alternative Solutions (IAS) with inadequate and unprotected storage conditions, as these facilities impact water quality maintenance. The failure mode requiring priority attention pertains to the presence of total coliforms and E. coli. Microbiological contamination is even more concerning because the water in all five educational institutions lacks substances that impart taste, such as iron, making it appear potable and suitable for consumption. This is significant, as people often rely on their senses of smell, taste, and sight when selecting water for consumption. Research Implications: In practical terms, monitoring the water quality in educational institutions and utilizing FMEA has proven to be an important tool in identifying the most concerning health hazards. This approach has the potential to support educational and municipal managers in making informed decisions regarding collective and alternative water systems, as well as in ensuring proper care for building reservoirs. Originality/Value: his study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the feasibility of applying FMEA as an instrument for immediate corrective decision-making in educational institutions. The challenges faced by smaller municipalities or those more remote from major urban centers in monitoring water quality at locations with high population densities highlight the need for collaboration across various societal sectors to establish a health risk management plan.