title: [Quality of water for human consumption and its association with morbimortality in Colombia, 2008-2012].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The quality of water for human consumption has been correlated with the occurrence of different diseases. Studying the relationship between these parameters would allow determining the impact of water quality on human health, and to direct preventative measures and promote environmental health.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the quality of water intended for human consumption and its association with morbimortality in Colombia, 2008-2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  The database for surveillance of water quality was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics of the principal indicators (total coliforms, Escherichia coli , turbidity, color, pH, free residual chlorine and water quality risk index). The results were correlated with infant mortality and morbidity due to acute diarrheal diseases, foodborne diseases and hepatitis A. A risk map was prepared to identify those municipalities with the highest risk of water contamination and infant mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A high percentage of municipalities did not conform to existing standards for water potability values. Problems were identified that were related to presence of E. coli and total coliforms, as well as absence of free residual chlorine, a situation that was exacerbated in rural areas. Water quality showed a high correlation with infant mortality, highlighting its importance for children's health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Water quality was found to have an important impact on infant mortality. Improving water quality in Colombia will require policies that strengthen water supply systems in this country. Strengthening of environmental health surveillance programs is essential to guide actions aimed at improving water quality and exert a positive impact on health.
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Calidad del Agua, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia, Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia.
authors.forename: Blanca Lisseth
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Guzmán
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Calidad del Agua, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia, Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia.
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nava
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Díaz
mesh_terms: D046688:Child Mortality; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003105:Colombia; D060766:Drinking Water; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013997:Time Factors; D060753:Water Quality
chemical_list: D060766:Drinking Water