LAUSR

Microbial contamination of drinking water is a public health problem due to its pathogenic potential. In Brazil, the MS/GM no.5/2017 ordinance, sets guidelines for monitoring water quality for human consumption (VQACH). The state of Amazonas is part of the Amazon biome as one of the seven states from the north region of Brazil and its capital, Manaus, located in the geographic center in the Amazon is shelter to more than 2.000.000 inhabitants. Evaluate microbiological parameters of water quality in state health care clinics in Manaus. In the period between, January 2017 to December 2019 through actions of the Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS) and Amazonas Central Laboratory (LACEN) actions of VQACH were implemented following the current legislation standards. 62 health care clinics were monitored, making a total of 1,715 water samples, which resulted in the same number of microbiological analyzes; the reports issued had their results arranged in monthly and annual tables, allowing a comparative study between the number of samples analyzed and the percentages with absence of total coliforms and satisfactory for Escherichia coli (E.coli). The VQACH actions, resulted in significant gains in terms of improving water quality in the monitored clinics. The number of samples analyzed in the period increased from 355 to 757 (53%); the average positive index for total coliforms decreased from 28% to 19%; the average satisfactory index for E.coli increased from 93% to 97%, corroborating the result of the actions and strategies that were carried out. For the period prior to 2017, there are no data released regarding the VQACH of the health care clinics in Manaus. Surveillance actions are an essential measure for restoring water quality. It is suggested to maintain the actions carried out, along with measures of a permanent educational awareness. Measuring the effectiveness of surveillance actions are necessary for water quality control. Vigilance actions are important to reduce morbidity and mortality due to water transmission problems.