Analysis of potability conditions of upwelling water in Ubá, MG

In this work we investigated the interference of anthropic activities on the potability of groundwater in the urban area of the city of Ubá, MG. To accomplish this, the physical characteristics (temperature, turbidity and color), chemical (pH, conductivity, chloride, nitrate and hardness) and microbiological (total and thermotolerant coliforms) of ten upwelling waters were monitored throughout one year. The temperature, pH, color, chloride and hardness of all upwelling waters were considered normal compared to standards of potable water. However, the analyses of turbidity, electrical conductivity, nitrate and total and thermotolerant coliforms indicate contamination by human activities. Overall, the results indicated the occurrence of high environmental degradation, where only 30% of monitored upwelling waters were in accordance with the quality standard, indicating the need for intervention to ensure water quality.