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Natural factors or environmental neglect? Understanding the dilemma of a water crisis in a scenario of water plenty

2018; Elsevier BV; Volume: 82; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.12.027

1873-5754

Jonatas Batista Mattos, Kaique Brito Silva, Roberto José da Silva, Thiara Helena Mota Almeida, Hogana Sibilla Soares Póvoas, Paulo Vagner Ribeiro da Silva, Ingrid Matos de Araújo Góes, Irlanda da Silva Matos,

Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies

The objective of this study was to discuss how natural factors associated with poor land use policy and ineffective water resources management triggered a severe water crisis in a region with water plenty. The idea developed throughout the text is the result of a water shortage experience in a Brazilian medium-size city, related to recurrent climatological events, indicating the need for national and international water management agencies to elaborate policies, guidelines and mechanisms that take environmental seasonality into account. The study area (Itabuna city) is located within a rainforest biogeographic context, with high rainfall rates and perennial fluvial regimes. Nevertheless, in a period of climatic oscillation (2015-2016), the region experienced a water shortage because it relied on what it neglects. Through GIS and geoprocessing, we estimate the levels of degradation of two neighboring watersheds to illustrate the problem discussed here. The discourse adopted by the urban managers pointed out that the natural factors caused the water crisis. However, one of the watersheds that supply water to urban areas did not meet demand during the dry season, the other is degraded and with reduced ability to deliver ecosystem services. Due to the water crisis, an old proposal of implementing a dam in the watershed with highest level of degradation was resumed and implanted. The method chosen to solve the issue of water shortage, although valid, isn't enough, in addition to demanding large engineering interventions in the natural environment, it does not guarantee water security without an effective land use policy for watersheds. Therefore, as a complement to the dam, we suggest watershed restoration and preservation policies that can effectively regulate water production and promote resilient and sustainable water security should be implemented.