PROFILE OF THE QUALITY OF MANAUS CITY’S GROUNDWATERS

Abstract

Manaus city, capital of the Amazonas state, is at the left bank of Rio Negro. The surrounding region is characterized by the geological Alter do Chão Formation consisting of sandy-clay tertiary sediments. An important annual rainfall of 2,300 mm, classifies the climate as hot humid with a highly divers vegetation. The city water supply is mainly provided by tubular wells whose recharge comes from rain and Rio Negro water. A private enterprise explores captation and public water supply. The ground water of Manaus was evaluated during the rainy period. Tubular wells water are selected and water sampled for physical and physic-chemical analysis. The obtained data pointed out that the waters have low dissolved constituent concentrations with a low increase of the elements in the rainy period. They also indicated rapid infiltration, of surface water and excellent human and industrial consumption quality. The water quality is in concordance with standards established in current legislation.