Gestión integrada de recursos hídricos. Caso de estudio: Evaluación, diagnóstico y optimización de los procesos de potabilización del agua destinada al consumo humano en la cabecera cantonal de Palanda,

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, the operation of the Water Treatment Plant of the Palanda Canton, Zamora Chinchipe Province, was analyzed and evaluated, improving its mechanism in order to guarantee a continuous and safe supply of drinking water. A supply quality approach was developed at three key points: inlet, distribution tank and distribution network, carrying out the evaluation of physicochemical and biological parameters. At the inlet of the treatment plant, 1760 CFU / 100ml of total coliforms, 1320 CFU / 100ml of fecal coliforms and 440 CFU / 100ml of E. coli were located. Although, in the distribution tank these values reduced to 0, at the point of the distribution network contaminants with 440 CFU / 100ml of total coliforms were located. The chlorination system is found to be inadequate and lacks real-time monitoring, limiting the effective recording of physicochemical and biological water quality parameters. It is suggested that sodium hypochlorite regulations be automated by installing a recording laboratory with ongoing preventive maintenance. The respective analyses are based on INEN 1108, TULSMA Reforma, and ISO 24510-24512 standards, enabling the implementation of improved operating techniques in drinking water systems.