Water quality of public springs and population perception in Pinheiral, RJ, Brazil

The consumption of spring water contributes to meeting population demands and is essential in the context of water scarcity, as well as the proper maintenance of human well-being and environmental sustainability. Given the importance of information availability for the adoption of effective water resource management actions, this study aimed to analyse the water quality of public springs in the municipality of Pinheiral, RJ, based on potability standards and the perception of the local population. Water potability was determined through the analysis of the following parameters: pH, turbidity, colour, total Mn, total Fe, NO₃-, and thermotolerant coliforms, in water samples collected at four time points: summer (March 2021), autumn (June 2021), winter (September 2021), and spring (December 2021). To capture the perception of spring users, interviews were conducted using a questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions. The results showed that all five springs evaluated failed to comply with legislative standards in at least one sampling period and for at least one of the following parameters: pH, turbidity, colour, total Mn, total Fe, NO₃⁻, and thermotolerant coliforms. Regarding consumption, 83% of respondents reported consuming spring water, motivated by their perception of good water quality and favourable organoleptic characteristics. This perception of quality leads to the non-adoption of hygiene practices during water collection, storage, and consumption. Out of the overall survey respondents, 28.1% reported that they do not wash the container where they collect the water, and 30.2% wash it only with water. Regarding consumption practices, none of the respondents reported boiling the water, and only 45.8% reported always filtering it prior to consumption. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that water from the analysed springs does not meet the limits established by potability standards and may therefore pose health risks to consumers.