Calidad microbiológica del agua de consumo humano: la realidad en el Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of this study is to establish the microbiological quality of water for human consumption in Ecuador by means of a bibliographic review. The methodology was based on the search of documentary information of articles published up to 5 years ago through the use of scientific search engines, using key words on the topic studied. The results showed that the evaluation of water quality is essential to guarantee the health of the population. Current standards in Ecuador establish that quality water must comply with physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. In addition, it is noted that the consumption of unsafe water contributes to the development of various gastrointestinal diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Research conducted in Ecuador indicates that water considered to be of high quality and suitable for consumption must comply with the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters established by Ecuadorian Technical Standard INEN 1108-2020. The standard indicates that fecal coliforms and total coliforms must be less than 1.1 NMP/100mL. Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella cause acute diarrheal diseases and intestinal parasitosis caused by parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. The entities in charge of protecting water quality in Ecuador must implement a series of measures to reduce microbiological contamination of water. Measures such as not consuming water directly from the tap, boiling it for 1 to 3 minutes, using filtration and purification methods, are some of the recommendations made by the authors