ASSESSMENT OF DOMESTIC EFFLUENTS FINAL DESTINATION IN THE SANTA MARIA DA VITÓRIA WATERSHED UPPER REGION, ES, SOUTHEAST BRAZIL

Abstract

Domestic sewage inappropriate release causes impacts on the environment, society and economy. In rural areas, this problem becomes even more accentuated due to recurrent adoption of inadequate treatment and destination practices for the generated sewage. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the domestic sewage final destination of Upper Santa Maria da Vitória Planning Unit, which houses Santa Maria da Vitória river headwaters, one of the main sources responsible for water supply to Greater Vitória Region, Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. The study is classified as quantitative and exploratory, whose information was collected through questionnaires application with random approaches to the residents. Results indicates the destination of domestic sewage is predominantly septic tanks, ditches, and streams. It was possible to infer the lack of knowledge about contamination risks and impacts caused by inadequate methods of final disposal. Chi-square statistical test results show that there is no relationship between education and age factor in most responses, making it evident that all social stratification must be addressed with awareness-raising actions. The findings in this study highlight public power actions need which are fundamental to achieve sustainability in domestic effluents final destination in the region.