Avaliação da água do sistema de abastecimento municipal de Maringá, PR, com relação à possível ocorrência de Cyptosporidium sp. e Giardia sp.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the results of microbiological and physical-chemical analyses of untreated and treated water from the Sanitation Company of Parana (SANEPAR) of Maringa, Parana, with literature data relating to the relation between these parameters and the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. We collected 186 water samples, 93 of treated water and 93 of untreated water. The microbiological analyses (total and thermotolerant coliforms) and physical-chemical analyses (turbidity, pH, iron, fluorides, color and chlorine) were carried out in accordance with the methodology described in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The results of these analyses met in compliance with legislation; however, comparing these results with those found in literature does not eliminate the possibility of the occurrence of these protozoans. The present study supports the recommendation for the continuation of research of indicators for Cryptosporidium sp and Giardia sp, as well as methodologies that are simple, sensible, efficient and affordable for the research of these protozoans in water supplies.