The contamination of freshwater bodies, such as rivers and streams, poses a critical threat to public health and environmental balance, especially in regions where communities depend directly on these sources for consumption, hygiene, and economic activities. In the La Ermita stream, Las Tablas, Panama, the organic and inorganic waste present were characterized and the water quality and degree of contamination were evaluated. The objective of this study is to characterize the types of organic and inorganic waste present in the La Ermita creek in the city of Las Tablas, determining their impact on water quality and evaluating the degree of contamination associated with these wastes. Through a cross-sectional non-experimental design, three points were sampled, classifying solid waste and performing microbiological analysis of coliforms. The results revealed a predominance of inorganic wastes, constituting approximately 81% of the total. Plastic bags (19.59%), aluminum cans (18.13%) and plastic bottles (13.30%) were the most abundant. In addition, fecal and total coliforms were recorded, especially after carnivals, which far exceed the limits established by national and international regulations. This increase is attributed to the surface dragging of waste and water from mass activities. La Ermita faces serious contamination, which is a significant risk to public health and the ecosystem. The implementation of environmental education and waste management is recommended.
