An assessment of the results of the bacteriological tests, supplied by Fundação Estadual de Engenharia do Meio Ambiente (FEEMA) and by Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública during the years of 1985 and 1986, was performed due to the bad conditions of conservation and cleaning of the water distribution and reservoir systems of a great number of buildings in Rio de Janeiro. This paper shows the necessity for further investigations in order to clarify the authorities about the need for strict regulations for cleaning and desinfections of these systems when legal permission for building occupation is granted. These regulations should also determine the periodicity of the cleanings and the desinfections. It is also advisable that the service certificate be conducted through a legal analysis performed by a qualified professional.
