Basic sanitation and the use of rudimentar septic systems: environmental risks and public policy challenges in Itiquira-MT

Abstract

Basic sanitation is a fundamental pillar for the protection of public health and environmental resources, especially regarding the collection and treatment of domestic sewage. In the municipality of Itiquira–MT, the lack of an operational sewage system results in the widespread use of rudimentary septic tanks, precarious structures that represent a high potential for soil and groundwater contamination. In this context, this article aims to analyze the environmental impacts and public health risks associated with the predominant use of rudimentary septic tanks in Itiquira–MT, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of local public policies on basic sanitation in light of the Municipal Basic Sanitation Plan and the goals of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This research is characterized as a case study, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, based on the analysis of documentary data, reports from Environmental Surveillance, and results from 547 water samples collected between 2019 and 2023. The data were processed using descriptive statistics and temporal and spatial analysis. The results show the recurring presence of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in the water supply system, indicating water contamination associated with the proximity between septic tanks and the municipality's drinking water supply network, along with a shallow water table. It is concluded that the current sewage disposal model in the municipality represents a significant environmental and sanitary risk, reinforcing the urgent need for the implementation of appropriate technical solutions and the strengthening of public sanitation policies, in line with SDG 6.