Action benefits residents of rural areas with the consumption of raw water from rivers

Families located in rural areas without sanitation, in the cities of Petrolina/PE, Porto da Barra/AL, Crato/CE, Camocim/CE, and Preá/Cruz/CE, are receiving drinking water filters developed by Conasa - an investment platform in medium-sized infrastructure concessions in sanitation, public lighting and highways. The initiative is part of the company’s support for the environmental actions of Sertões 2023, the largest rally in the Americas in Pernambuco, Bahia, and Ceará until August 19.

The filters comprise two 10-liter non-toxic plastic buckets, a tap, and a traditional filter candle. In addition to easy maintenance, the model is easily replicable at an affordable cost. Along with the filters, families receive explanatory booklets on the importance of drinking treated water, warning of diseases related to lack of sanitation, and step-by-step instructions for cleaning the water tank.

In Petrolina, the filters were donated to families in Vila 12 who work in irrigated agriculture and receive raw water from the irrigation canal for consumption. “The filters will change the families’ lives, improving health, dignity, and self-esteem. We have seen that it is easy to replicate the filters, and we intend to set up more units locally to benefit more families,” said Pedro Caldas, executive secretary of the municipal government and community agent.

Families from Porto da Barra, on the border between Alagoas and Bahia, also received the filters. They use raw water collected from the São Francisco River. “In addition to treating water for consumption, the filters are also a way to raise awareness in the community about the importance of fighting for quality water. The model is easy to make and will serve as an example for other families to set up similar filters”, said Anilta Suely, community agent.

The following deliveries will occur in Crato/CE, Camocim/CE, and Preá/Cruz/CE this week. In the end, 250 drinking water filters will have been donated. In addition to this initiative, Conasa delivered compact water filtration stations to two schools supplied with raw water, one in Petrolina and the other in Cruz, directly benefiting 341 students from the municipal network.

Waste management in Vilas Sertões, in Petrolina, Crato, Sobral, Cruz, and Praia do Preá, carried out by Eccaplan, also received support from Conasa. The action involves local cooperatives that, in addition to providing the correct disposal of all recyclable and common waste generated at the event, bring income to the communities.