Comparative Assessment of the Quality and Potential Uses of Groundwater in a Typical Rural Settlement in Colombia

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs) establish the need to guarantee quality water for all people. In numerous rural settlements of Colombia, access to clean drinking water is a formidable challenge as frequently observed when waterborne diseases arise, mainly in vulnerable populations without basic sanitation systems. The main objective of this study was to assess the quality and potential use of groundwater sampled from 17 monitored wells in a typical rural settlement in Colombia. Water quality was determined by applying a quality index and performing a principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the weights of each parameter. The results of the Phosphorus, Nitrates, Thermotolerant coliforms and pH variables exceeded regulatory limits, mainly in areas affected by anthropogenic sources with an insufficient sewage network. Coliform population and NO3 exceeded World Health Organization recommended thresholds for drinking water. Therefore, the qualities of the studied water samples were unsuitable for human consumption without prior adequate treatment and, hence, one recommendation is to regulate groundwater monitoring quality. In addition, unhealthy waste disposal practices should be abolished, while permanently controlled modern techniques should be introduced.

Automated summary

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs) emphasize the importance of ensuring quality water for all people. However, in rural settlements of Colombia, access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge, particularly in vulnerable populations without basic sanitation systems. A study conducted in a rural settlement in Colombia assessed the quality and potential use of groundwater from 17 monitored wells. The results showed that the studied water samples were unsuitable for human consumption without prior adequate treatment, and regulatory measures are needed to improve groundwater monitoring quality and introduce modern waste disposal techniques.