SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.31 issue3Electric Energy Management Model based on Indicators for power companies with cogeneration systems in Nicaragua author indexsubject indexarticles search
Home Pagealphabetic serial listing  

Services on Demand

Journal

Article

Indicators

Related links

  • Have no similar articlesSimilars in SciELO

Share


Revista Tecnología en Marcha

On-line version ISSN 0379-3982Print version ISSN 0379-3982

Abstract

MORA-ALVARADO, Darner et al. Costa Rican Drinking-Water Quality Risks Index (IRCACH). Tecnología en Marcha [online]. 2018, vol.31, n.3, pp.3-14. ISSN 0379-3982.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18845/tm.v31i3.3897.

The IRCACH aims is to facilitate the interpretation of the drinking-water analysis within the water supply network in Costa Rica. This index allows to link the consumers’ health risk level with the rejection of drinking-water. Firstly, in order to create the former document, the microbiological and physicochemical parameters established in the national regulation for drinking-water quality were identified and classified according to their implications in water supply network. The parameter classification was operation, aesthetics, pollution indicators, and health risk. Different scores were stablished for each parameter, according to their previous classification. Five risk levels were defined: Very Low Risk, Low Risk, Medium Risk, High Risk, and Very High Risk. Drinking-water quality is considered potable or non-potable depending on the final score. The IRCACH is an integral approach to the analysis interpretation. It can be used for any type of water supply network, i.e. chlorinated or non-chlorinated. The IRCACH is subject to further modifications according to technological advances and scientific knowledge. It proved to be an efficient tool for stablishing the potential health risk with the rejection of drinking-water in Costa Rica.

Keywords : Water quality; drinking-water; risk; health.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )