Physicochemical and microbiological quality of mineral water and the legislation standards

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological mineral water parameters in the city of Macapá and verify their compliance with the legislation. The accepted legal standards for potable water for human consumption in Brazil are established by Board Resolution - RDC 274/2005 of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) - which regulates mineral water and Ordinance 518/2004 of the Ministry of Health which defines minimum standards for drinking water. Water samples in 20 L bottles of three different trademarks acquired in six commercial localities were analyzed monthly. Physicochemical parameters were compared with those predicted in the legislation for turbidity, pH, nitrate, iron, manganese, aluminum, fluoride, and microbiological indicators such as total coliform and Escherichia coli. The results indicated that the pH was often below the limit allowed by public supply. Deviation from the recommended concentration was most exceeded for aluminum, presenting values significantly high to the standards allowed in two trademarks. Fluoride concentrations were close to zero, although the legislation recommends values between 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L. The microbiological parameters in some localities and all trademarks registered total coliform, but Escherichia coli were present in only one sample. The mineral water consumed has been considered a safe product compared to other sources, but this study showed that the mineral water marketed in Macapá was often not in accordance with the law. Special attention is recommended for monitoring water quality in 20 L bottles.