Water quality indexes and water quality population perception in a rural area in Ecuador

Abstract This studỳs aim was to evaluate the quality of water for human consumption in a rural area of Ecuador. For this purpose, two water quality indexes were used: the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Simplified Water Quality Index (SWQI). Sampling campaigns were carried out during the years 2018 and 2019, and 18 parameters were analyzed, including pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, color, phosphates, nitrites, nitrates, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, turbidity, methylene blue active substances, fats and oils, total coliforms, ammonia, nitrogen, and fecal coliforms. The WQI and the SWQI yielded values between 79.80 and 81.31 (2018) and between 76.99 and 79.89 (2019), respectively. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to implement water management recommendations. The perception of water quality was assessed through a survey of the population. This study contributes to recommending a proposal for the adoption of a WQI in Ecuador. The obtained results indicate that the water in the studied area needs the conventional treatment to achieve adequate quality for human consumption.