Evaluación físico-química y microbiológica del agua almacenada en cisternas en la Escuela Politécnica Nacional

Abstract

The objective of this project was to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of water stored in eight tanks inside the National Polytechnic School (Escuela Politécnica Nacional, EPN); based on compliance with the MPL (maximum permissible limits) of the standards INEN 1108 and TULSMA Libro VI Anexo I Tabla 1, where the requirements for drinking are established. The evaluation began with an inspection of the plumbing facilities with the help of General Service staff and workshops. All points possessing a tank were visited and it was determined which ones were suitable for analysis. The water from the distribution network of DMQ and storage tanks were sampled and characterized. After obtaining the results of the analysis the WQI (water quality index) was evaluated concluding that it is in an excellent range and therefore it is suitable for human consumption. Of all the analyzes that were carried out residual free chlorine is the only parameter that does not meet the standard in some tanks. Although the results of the evaluation show that the water supplied in the EPN complies with the standards mentioned above, an improvement plan to avoid the possible direct or indirect contamination was formulated. It contains the steps to implement the preventive and corrective maintenance for pumping systems as well as recommendations found during the visual assessments and sampling.