EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL COMO FERRAMENTA PARA A REDUÇÃO DO DESPERDÍCIO DE ÁGUA POTÁVEL EM UM BAIRRO PERIFÉRICO DE TUCURUÍ – PARÁ ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR REDUCING POTABLE WATER WASTE IN A PERIPHERAL NEIGHBORHOOD OF TUCURUÍ - PARÁ

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Potable water is anessential resource for the maintenance of life, public health, and environmental balance. However, even in regions with high water availability, such as the Amazon, inadequate consumption practices persist and contribute to the waste of this resource. In this context, environmental educationis a relevant strategy for promoting sustainable habits and streng the ning community awareness of the use of water. The  study aimed to analyze the effects of environmental education actions on environmental perception and domestic habits related to the use of potable water among residents of the Cristo Vive neigh borhood, in Tucuruí, Pará. The research was applied, with a qualitative-quantitative approach and descriptive character, carried out through a Field study, with the application of a structured electronic questionnaire and direct observations in the community context. The results showed that most participants had no systematic control over their water consumption, and practices associated with waste were identified, such as prolon geds howers, frequent hose use, and the absence of preventive maintenance of plumbing installations. After the educational actions, na expansion of environmental perception, greater understanding of the rational use of water, and gradual adoption of more sustainable practices were observed, in addition to there cognition of waste as a collective problem. It is concluded that environmental education is na effective tool for community awareness and for promoting behavior al changes related to conscious water consumption, contributing to the strengthening of socio-environmental co-responsibilityand local water sustainability.

Keywords: Environmental education; Rational use ofwater; Water sustainability; Community awareness; Tucuruí.