The Brazilian water scenario faces a disturbing crisis, and a recent study of the University of Sao Paulo (USP) revealed. Research indicates that more than half of the country’s rivers already have a significant decrease in the water level, a problem that directly affects climate maintenance and sustainable use of this vital resource.
According to the study, there are 69 % of the rivers affected in arid areas or areas with intense agricultural activity, as the use of groundwater for irrigation is a common practice. This position creates an imbalance in the hydrological cycle, as the rivers lose the size to other deposits in an attempt to equal water levels.
Impact on the water gatherings
An act of disturbing is the Sao Francisco basin, where 61 % of rivers have a great possibility to lose flow. This position not only threatens water supply for human consumption, but also threatens various sectors of the economy that depends on these water resources.
The scarcity of water prompted many farmers to resort to digging artesian wells as an alternative. An analysis of approximately 18,000 wells throughout the national region revealed that 55 % of them were dug under the surfaces of nearby tables, which may increase the exacerbation of the problem of reducing river levels.
Experts warn that climate change affects all elements of the hydrological cycle. Changes in rainfall patterns can directly affect the rate of groundwater reinforcement by intensifying the water crisis. This scenario requires urgent measures for sustainable management of water resources in Brazil, given that the country focuses 12 % of fresh water on the planet.
