Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the water quality of the drinking fountains of schools in the Matias Barbosa city, MG, using microbiological and physicochemical assays. Methods: All analyses were performed in duplicate. The microbiological assays that were used included the Aquatest ONPG/MUG for total coliforms and Escherichia coli, depth plating for heterotrophic bacteria, and surface inoculation for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The physicochemical quality of the water was determined by using pH, residual chlorine, color, odor, hardness, chloride, acidity, alkalinity, and total solids. Results: The analyzed results showed that all of the samples that were collected in the schools were within the potability standards established by Ordinance No. 2914/MS/2011. Conclusion: We conclude that all of the water samples were collected in drinking fountains suitable for human consumption.