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Geoprocessing tools are great allies in the management of water resources, permitting the evaluation of several factors integrated into a multicriteria analysis. This improves the interpretation of the behavior of water and soil in hydrographic basins, allowing the delimitation of priority areas for actions. The objective of this study was to prepare a map of priority areas for water conservation in the Alto Iguaçu basin through a multicriteria analysis, aiming to assist in the management of water resources in the region. The priority map for water conservation was prepared using the weighted linear combination (WLC) method, considering the weight added to the factors that were obtained by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The method successfully identified priority areas for water conservation, where 40.7% of the Alto Iguaçu watershed was considered High priority and Very High priority, a number consistent with regional characteristics. The multicriteria analysis proved to be a flexible and easy to implement methodology, which can help managers when considering the trade-offs among several factors. The implementation of water conservation actions in areas that have been classified as being of High and Very High priority can benefit the regional ecosystem by controlling erosion, regulating the flow of water, and thus conserving the quantity and quality of water in the basin and its downstream region, benefiting the population and regional economics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;00:1-12. © 2023 SETAC.

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Overexploitation of groundwater in urban karst aquifers can lead to negative consequences such as land subsidence, depletion of springs and lakes, and water pollution. It can also have indirect effects such as environmental, socio-economic, and political instability. In the municipality of Sete Lagoas, Brazil, the long-term effects of extensive groundwater extraction have been observed and studied over the years. This paper analyzes the response of the karst aquifer to urban, industrial, and climatological changes that may have contributed to changes in the aquifer over the last four decades. The results show that groundwater extraction has exceeded the average aquifer recharge since the year 2000. From the 1980s, the number of wells has steadily increased due to unplanned urban development, resulting in higher demand for groundwater. In the 2010s, pumping from tubular wells (7.39 × 107 m3/yr) exceeded the maximum recharge capacity of the aquifer (7.33 × 107 m3/yr). These wells are mainly concentrated in two areas: the central urban zone and the industrial sector. As a result, kilometer-long cones of depression have formed, changing the aquifer from confined to unconfined within these regions. According to the census data, about 67% of the wells remain unidentified. The average annual recharge to the aquifer is estimated to be 5.68 × 107 m3/yr, which accounts for 12% of the average annual rainfall in the region. Climatological trends indicate an incipient decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature, suggesting a potential decrease in future aquifer recharge. In addition, only 17% of the area has high infiltration rates ranging from 35% to 75%. The current situation in Sete Lagoas is one of overexploitation of groundwater resources, which could be mitigated by localized reduction of groundwater consumption and implementation of effective management strategies to increase aquifer recharge.

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RESUMO As perdas físicas de água em uma rede de distribuição podem ser causadas pelo excesso de pressão na rede, erroneamente associada a bom atendimento. Assim, é necessário não apenas reduzir o excesso de pressão, mas também saber onde ocorrem as perdas para providenciar soluções. O uso de ferramentas, como o Sistema de Informações Geográficas, e as simulações computacionais da rede são essenciais para a redução de perdas. Foi então realizado o estudo de uma rede real de distribuição de água em uma região montanhosa do sul de Minas Gerais, por meio do levantamento do setor a ser estudado, com o uso desse sistema de informações, e então feitas três simulações com o uso do software Epanet 2.0, sendo uma delas o cenário-base de referência para comparação com os cenários onde se realizaram melhorias. Depois, foram feitos mapas com o uso de do mesmo sistema informacional para levantamento das pressões e das mudanças realizadas na rede. Também foi feita uma projeção populacional no horizonte de 20 anos, tomando como partida o ano de 2020, para verificar se os indicadores de eficiência energética decairiam ao longo do tempo, com o aumento da população. Assim, os resultados dos três cenários (base, 32 e 35) foram 57,4, 48,2 e 46,6%, respectivamente, indicando redução de perdas conforme a redução da pressão nos cenários, e os indicadores de eficiência energética mostraram uma queda ao longo do horizonte estudado, contudo aceitáveis. Conclui-se que o uso desse sistema aplicado à rede de distribuição de água contribuiu para as análises com vistas à redução das perdas reais e de eficiência hídrica e energética em redes de distribuição de água.

ABSTRACT Excess of water head usually is misidentified as synonymous of good service, leading to water losses in the distribution network. Reducing excess of pressure and identify leaks using tools like Geographic Information Systems and computational simulations is essential to reduce water losses. The study was carried out simulating a real water distribution system in a mountainous city of south of Minas Gerais, with Geographic Information Systems survey of the region and three simulations using the Epanet software, one of which being the original scenario to compare with improved ones. Subsequently, maps using Geographic Information Systems assess pressure and modifications at the network were generated. A populational projection with a 20-year horizon, starting in 2020, was also carried out to assess whether energy efficiency indicators would decrease over time with the increase in population. The losses at base scenario and scenarios 32 and 35 was 57.4, 48.2, and 46.6%, showing a reduction in losses along pressure reduction, and energy efficiency indicators showed a decrease over the studied horizon, though still acceptable. This article concludes that the use of Geographic Information Systems applied to the water distribution network contributed to the analysis to reduce real losses and water and energy efficiency in water distribution networks.

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The analysis of multi-temporal and spatial trends of rainfall in a river basin is an essential approach for water resource planning and management approach. In this study, a combination of trend analysis and spatial-temporal variability of the rainfall for 1970-2017 was applied to examine rainfall distribution patterns in a coastal watershed, Santa Maria da Vitória River Basin (southeastern Brazil). Data from 42 meteorological stations were analyzed using kriging as a geostatistical tool for point data interpolation. Trends in rainfall were computed using the RClimDex package with eleven extreme climate indices. The results have shown spatial and temporal rainfall variability, with drought events becoming more persistent in recent years in the upper sector of the basin, where agricultural land use prevails. Water shortage may impact crops and threatening the water supply and hydropower production. Trend analysis suggests that the annual total wet-day precipitation (PRCPTOT) increases in the coastal section and decreases in the upper basin sector. Consecutive dry days (CDD) and consecutive wet days (CWD) show a strong positive tendency in the lower basin section, where the metropolitan area is located, flooding risks increase in response to positive trends of intensive short-term rainfall events. These results support managers developing and planning sustainability strategies to assure water security and subsidize adaptative responses to extreme hydrological events.

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RESUMO O entendimento das relações interinstitucionais existentes no sistema de recursos hídricos é um aspecto relevante para a identificação de lacunas e conflitos, bem como para a adoção de estratégias para a busca por um planejamento integrado de recursos hídricos. Nessa perspectiva, foi analisado o planejamento de recursos hídricos já efetuado na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Gramame, localizada no litoral sul do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Para consecução do objetivo, foi utilizada a ferramenta metodológica análise de constelação, construída por um grupo focal composto de especialistas, tendo como alvo a interdisciplinaridade. Como resultados, observou-se a fraca integração interinstitucional entre os órgãos responsáveis pela gestão da água e demais recursos naturais existentes na bacia hidrográfica, em função principalmente da baixa capacidade financeira, técnica e política para efetivação de suas competências. Em relação aos instrumentos de gestão, o mais citado e relacionado foi o enquadramento dos corpos hídricos em classes de uso preponderantes, sobretudo pela sua possível influência na melhoria qualitativa da água, quando implantado. O conjunto de elementos analíticos permite visualizar o potencial interinstitucional favorável à realização de um planejamento integrado de recursos hídricos na bacia hidrográfica, embora se enfrentem ainda muitas barreiras sociopolíticas para a tomada de decisão de maneira compartilhada.

ABSTRACT The understanding of the interinstitutional relations existing in the water resources system is a relevant aspect for the identification of gaps and conflicts, as well as for the adoption of strategies for the search for an integrated planning process. In this perspective, the planning of water resources already carried out in the hydrographic basin of the Gramame River, located on the southern coast of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, was analyzed. The methodological tool of Constellation Analysis was used, built by a focus group composed of specialists, looking for the interdisciplinarity to reach the goal. As a result, there was a weak interinstitutional integration between the bodies responsible for the management of water and other natural resources existing in the river basin, mainly due to the low financial, technical, and political capacity to implement their competencies. Concerning management instruments, the most cited and related was the framing of water bodies in preponderant classes of use, mainly due to their possible influence on the qualitative improvement of water, when implemented. Regarding the management instruments, the most cited and related was the framing of water bodies in prevailing classes of use, mainly for their possible influence on the qualitative improvement of water, when implemented. The set of analytical elements allowed the visualization of the interinstitutional potential favorable to the realization of integrated planning of water resources in the hydrographic basin. However, there are still many socio-political barriers to shared decision making.

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RESUMO A promulgação da Lei Federal n° 9.433, de 8 de janeiro de 1997, foi um marco político e técnico da gestão dos recursos hídricos no Brasil, ao instituir a Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos, que, nos seus fundamentos, preconiza a gestão dos recursos hídricos descentralizada e a participação do Poder Público, dos usuários e das comunidades. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste artigo é estabelecer indicadores de sustentabilidade para a área de manancial do município de Paranavaí, no estado do Paraná, Brasil, usando uma abordagem de gestão participativa das partes interessadas associada a ferramentas de análise multicritério para auxílio à tomada de decisão. A área de manancial está inserida numa área de proteção ambiental (APA) denominada de APA Arara. Os métodos utilizados foram mapeamento cognitivo e measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH), aplicados durante uma conferência de decisão com a participação de diversos atores diretamente atingidos e fortemente interessados no tema, tais como órgãos gestores, produtores rurais, empresários do ramo imobiliário, vereadores, instituições de ensino superior etc. No fim da conferência de decisão, 14 indicadores foram definidos e seus pesos estabelecidos. Os resultados obtidos servem de subsídios para a gestão mais eficiente do recurso hídrico, pois conduziram à solução de maior comprometimento, ao envolver muitos atores representantes das partes interessadas. Além disso, mostraram que o uso combinado de mapas cognitivos e da abordagem MACBETH possibilitou a definição de indicadores de sustentabilidade para a APA de forma transparente e eficaz, demonstrando o sucesso na gestão participativa do recurso hídrico.

ABSTRACT The enactment of Federal Act nº 9433, on January 8th, 1997, was a political and technical milestone in water resources management in Brazil, by instituting the National Water Resources Policy which, in its foundations, stablishes decentralized management with the involvement of official authorities, customers and communities. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to set out sustainability indicators for a spring area in the municipality of Paranavaí, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, using an approach based on the participatory management of stakeholders associated with multi-criteria analysis tools for decision-making support. The spring is located in an Environmental Protection Area, named APA Arara. The methodology consisted in cognitive mapping and the Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical-Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH) approach, applied during a decision conference attended by a number of agents directly affected by, and strongly interested in, the issue, such as managing agencies, rural producers, real estate businessmen, councilors, representatives of higher education institutions, among others. By the end of the decision conference, 14 indicators were defined and their weights stablished. The obtained results provide the basis for more efficient water resources management, as they led to the most committed solution by involving many different stakeholders. Furthermore, they showed that the combined use of cognitive maps and the MACBETH approach enabled the setting of sustainability indicators for the APA Arara in a transparent and effective way, emphasizing their success in the participatory water resources management.

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RESUMEN El cumplimiento del Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible, ODS, No 6 "Agua Limpia y Saneamiento", promulgado en 2015 por la ONU, requiere de nuevos enfoques y marcos conceptuales, que articulen e integren, de manera práctica, las intervenciones en el sector de Agua Potable, Saneamiento e Higiene (APSH), con la Gestión Integrada de Recursos Hídricos (GIRH), según los contextos específicos de cada región. En este sentido, la gobernanza del agua proporciona un marco conceptual, que permite analizar y potenciar la integración entre los sectores de APSH con la GIRH, en el marco del cumplimiento de los ODS. Para ello, se documentaron varios casos de estudio en Latinoamérica, donde se observó la integración sectorial, a partir del modelo de funciones de Gobernanza del Agua, desarrollado por Water Governance Facility - WGF. Si bien cada uno de los casos de estudio se enmarcan en alguna función específica de la gobernanza del agua, todos requieren, al menos, de otra función, para poder lograr su finalidad, siendo la "Coordinación", la más relevante, observada para el logro de los resultados obtenidos.

ABSTRACT The fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG, No 6 "Clean Water and Sanitation", promulgated in 2015 by the UN, requires new approaches and conceptual frameworks that articulate and integrate in a practical way the interventions of Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene - WASH, with the Integrated Water Resources Management, IWRM, according to the specific contexts of each territory. In this sense, water governance provides a conceptual framework that allows analyzing and enhancing integration between WASH sectors with IWRM, within the framework of the fulfillment of the SDGs. For this, several case studies in Latin America were documented where sectoral integration was observed, based on the Water Governance Facility model of Water Governance. Although each of the case studies is framed in some specific function of water governance, all require at least one other function in order to achieve their purpose, with "Coordination" being the most relevant observed for the achievement of obtained results.

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RESUMO Neste artigo, argumenta-se que a sensibilidade urbana em relação aos recursos hídricos pode ser aumentada pela compreensão do processo de produção do espaço e do metabolismo urbano. Propõem-se duas análises integradas do espaço urbano: a primeira é relativa ao desempenho hidrológico, em que são levantados os potenciais de diversificação hídrica por meio do desenvolvimento de indicadores quantitativos e da geração de cenários possíveis à diversificação; a segunda refere-se à produção do espaço, em que é realizado levantamento histórico das condições de acesso à água. Verifica-se como se dá o processo de produção do espaço e o impacto desse processo sobre os recursos hídricos. Mais detalhadamente, observam-se as correlações entre os agentes e as transformações espaciais, visando identificar as associações que comandam essas transformações. Essa proposta metodológica é aplicada à cidade de Campina Grande, Paraíba, elegendo-se um bairro que sofreu expressivas transformações espaciais nos últimos 20 anos. Os resultados mostram um potencial de 243% para diversificação por uso de água de chuva e 69% por reuso de água residuária. Por meio da combinação de possibilidades de diversificação hídrica, o sistema de abastecimento, que atualmente é centralizado, poderia ter essa centralização reduzida a até 57%. A análise da dinâmica urbana revela a necessidade de intervenção do poder público quanto à adoção de medidas de controle da ocupação do solo. Atualmente, os promotores imobiliários e proprietários fundiários condicionam o processo de produção do espaço, o que dificulta a melhoria do desempenho hidrológico urbano.

ABSTRACT The present work is based on the premise that the urban sensitivity in relation to water resources can be increased by the understanding of urban metabolism. Two related urban space analyses are proposed: the former is related to the hydrological performance, in which water diversification potentials are raised by developing quantitative indicators and by the generation of possible scenarios for diversification; the latter refers to the space production, in which a historical survey of the access conditions to water is studied. The space production proceeding is verified, and the impact of its process on the water resources. In more details, the correlations between agents and spatial transformations are observed, aiming to identify the associations that command these transformations. This methodological propose is applied in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba, choosing a specific neighborhood that has undergone significant spatial transformations in the last 20 years. Results showed a potential of 243% for diversification by using rainwater, and 69% by reusing wastewater. Through the combination of possibilities for water diversification, the supply system, which is currently fully centralized, could have this centralization reduced to up to 57%. The urban dynamics analysis reveals the need for public intervention in the adoption of control measures of soil occupation. Currently, real-estate developers and entrepreneurs lead the space production process, which makes it difficult to improve urban hydrological performance.

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Karst environments have an inherent complexity that interferes with their hydrogeology comprehension. Hence, isotope hydrology can be a valuable tool to assess trajectory of subsurface flows in an unexplored setting. The study area is located in the Lagoa Santa Karst, an environmental protection area of great economic, cultural and ecological importance, where Neoproterozoic metalimestones accommodate karst-fractured aquifers, characterized by complex water dynamics, essential vulnerability and high productivity. The purpose of this study was to investigate groundwater flow origins of springs using principally environmental stable isotopes 2H and 18O. Rainwater and spring water were sampled and analysed. The LMWL presents angular and linear coefficients strongly similar to those of the GMWL. Spring isotopic signatures, which represent the base flow and present wide-ranging of 2H and 18O, were separated into two groups. The first group can be associated with recent rainwater major contributions, while the second group shows significant evaporated water contributions, largely represented by resurgences. Tritium concentration and physico-chemical parameter data supported this interpretation, pointing that waters of the second group remained more time on the surface and subsurface. Therefore, using isotope tracers to evaluate upper groundwater zone in this tropical karst system is a powerful instrument for water resources management.

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RESUMO O presente trabalho tem por objetivo desenvolver um Plano Estratégico de Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PEPSA) para a manutenção da qualidade da água e do solo na bacia hidrográfica do arroio Itaquarinchim, em Santo Ângelo (RS). Com base em um diagnóstico ambiental da bacia hidrográfica, das ações propostas no Plano Municipal de Saneamento Básico e do Plano da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Ijuí, foram levantados os principais problemas ambientais existentes na bacia, definidos possíveis serviços ambientais e apontados seus benefícios. O PEPSA propõe uma análise integrada das políticas relacionadas aos recursos hídricos, relacionando-as com as metas e os objetivos dos planos analisados. Com o intuito de efetivar as ações propostas, o PEPSA sugere, após identificar possíveis fontes de recursos, a formatação de um fundo para pagamento de serviços ambientais. O PEPSA organizado de forma sistêmica pode ser compreendido como ferramenta base para a concretização de ações e metas propostas em diferentes planos e programas e, dessa forma, para a efetivação de políticas públicas.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to develop a Strategic Payment Plan for Environmental Services (SPPES), for the maintenance of water and soil quality in the watershed of Arroyo Itaquarinchim, in St. Angelo/RS. Based on an environmental assessment of the river basin, of the actions proposed in the Municipal Sanitation Plan and the Plan of Ijuí River Basin, major environmental problems in the basin were raised, also defining services and indicating possible environmental benefits. PEPSA proposes an integrated analysis of policies related to water resources, linking them with the goals and objectives of the plans analyzed. In order to accomplish the proposed actions, PEPSA suggests, after identifying possible funding sources, putting together a fund to pay for environmental services. The sistematically organized PEPSA can be understood as a base tool for effective actions and goals proposed in different plans and programs, and thus, for the implementation of public policies.

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RESUMO O conceito de água virtual tem sido muito utilizado como importante indicador de consumo, sendo cada vez mais aceito na literatura, constituindo-se da água incorporada à produção de um bem ou serviço. Visando a estimar o volume de água virtual presente nos 25 principais produtos da pauta de exportação brasileira no período 2003-2014, utilizou-se o método de pesquisa exploratória a partir dos principais produtos que representavam aproximadamente 60% do montante arrecadado. Os resultados indicaram inflexão entre a relevância dos produtos manufaturados e dos produtos básicos (principalmente minério de ferro e soja) no período de 2009-2010, com apenas quatro produtos respondendo, em 2014, por 32% da receita auferida pelo País. Como consequência, a estimativa do dispêndio de água virtual realizada para os produtos avaliados indicou que o Brasil despendeu, em média, 191 Gm3.ano-1 (6.025 m3.s-1), com os produtos básicos respondendo por 95% desse volume. Considerando-se apenas 2014, essa vazão elevou-se para 7.836 m3.s-1, aproximadamente 14 vezes superior à demanda para abastecimento da população urbana brasileira.

ABSTRACT The Virtual Water concept has long been used as an important indicator of water consumption, increasingly being accepted in the literature, becoming the embedded water in the production of a good or service. In order to estimate the volume of virtual water present in the top 25 products of Brazilian exports in the period 2003-2014, we used the exploratory method from the main products that represented approximately 60% of the collected amount. Results indicated a shift between the relevance of manufactured products and commodities (mainly iron ore and soybeans) in the 2009-2010 period, with only four products accounting in 2014 for 32% of the revenue earned by the country. As a result, the estimated virtual water expenditure for the products evaluated indicated that Brazil spent, on average, 191 Gm3.year-1 (about 6,025 m3.s-1), with commodities accounting for 95% of this volume. Considering only 2014, this flow increased to about 7,836 m3.s-1, 14 times higher than the supply demand of the Brazilian urban population.

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RESUMO A outorga de direito de uso da água é um dos principais instrumentos de gestão para controle quantitativo e qualitativo dos recursos hídricos. Para sua implantação, é necessário, entre outras ações, definir critérios e desenvolver ferramentas para análise integrada dos aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos da água. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver um sistema para análise das outorgas de captação de água e diluição de efluentes aplicado à bacia hidrográfica do rio Piracicaba (MG). Inicialmente, foram realizados o levantamento e a preparação da base de dados geográfica, hidrológica e administrativa. O sistema foi desenvolvido utilizando tecnologias open source, sendo estruturado em três camadas: de dados, de negócios e de apresentação. De acordo com os resultados, constatou-se que os trechos mais críticos quanto à vazão passível de outorga localizam-se na foz e na cabeceira do rio Piracicaba. A análise dos dados permitiu concluir que o sistema determina, de forma consistente, a disponibilidade hídrica outorgável ao longo da hidrografia e as vazões de diluição e indisponível pelos lançamentos, além de identificar trechos dos cursos d'água com disponibilidade hídrica crítica, fornecendo subsídios para análises das outorgas quali-quantitativas dos recursos hídricos na bacia.

ABSTRACT The granting of water use rights is one of the main management instruments for the quantitative and qualitative control of water resources. For its implementation, it is necessary, among other actions, to develop tools for integrated analysis of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water. Thus, the objective of the study was to create a system for the analysis of water abstraction and effluent dilution in the Piracicaba river basin in Minas Gerais. Initially, the survey and preparation of the geographic, hydrological and administrative database were carried out. The system was developed using open-source technologies, with a three-layer structure: data, business, and presentation. According to the results, it was verified that the most critical sections regarding the grantable flow available are located at the mouth and spring of the Piracicaba river. The analysis of the data allowed us to conclude that the system consistently determines the availability of water throughout the hydrography, the dilution flow and discharge unavailability, and identifies stretches of the watercourses with critical water availability, providing support for analyses of the quali-quantitative granting of water resources in the basin.

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The potential of karst aquifers as a drinking water resource is substantial because of their large storage capacity gained in the course of carbonate dissolution. Carbonate dissolution and consequent development of preferential paths are also the reasons for the complex behavior of these aquifers as regards surface and underground flow. Hydrological modeling is therefore of paramount importance for an adequate assessment of flow components in catchments shaped on karsts. The cross tabulation of such components with geology, soils, and land use data in Geographic Information Systems helps decision makers to set up sustainable groundwater abstractions and allocate areas for storage of quality surface water, in the context of conjunctive water resources management. In the present study, a hydrologic modeling using the JAMS J2000 software was conducted in a karst area of Jequitiba River basin located near the Sete Lagoas town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results revealed a very high surface water component explained by urbanization of Sete Lagoas, which hampers the recharge of 7.9 hm3 yr-1 of storm water. They also exposed a very large negative difference (-8.3 hm3 yr-1) between groundwater availability (6.3 hm3 yr-1) and current groundwater abstraction from the karst aquifer (14.6 hm3 yr-1), which is in keeping with previously reported water table declines around drilled wells that can reach 48 m in old wells used for public water supply. Artificial recharge of excess surface flow is not recommended within the urban areas, given the high risk of groundwater contamination with metals and hydrocarbons potentially transported in storm water, as well as development of suffosional sinkholes as a consequence of concentrated storm flow. The surface component could however be stored in small dams in forested areas from the catchment headwaters and diverted to the urban area to complement the drinking water supply. The percolation in soil was estimated to be high in areas used for agriculture and pastures. The implementation of correct fertilizing, management, and irrigation practices are considered crucial to attenuate potential contamination of groundwater and suffosional sinkhole development in these areas.

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RESUMO A eco-hidrologia busca integrar os conhecimentos da hidrologia aos da ecologia, criando uma abordagem mais ampla para a compreensão da dinâmica dos recursos hídricos, facilitando o planejamento e as ações de programas de gestão. Uma das formas de integrar hidrologia à ecologia é por meio da elaboração de índices de adequabilidade de hábitat (IAHs), processo que tem se destacado por fornecer informações relevantes sobre áreas úmidas. O IAH é obtido pela relação entre as informações sobre espécies bioindicadoras e as condições eco-hidrológicas necessárias à sua sobrevivência, permitindo a avaliação de impactos sobre as espécies. O desenvolvimento de IAHs, integrados a processos de modelagem hidrodinâmica e sistemas de informação geográfica (SIGs), proporciona a obtenção de imagens de adequabilidade de hábitat, que permitem obter informações espacializadas sobre a qualidade do hábitat de determinada espécie, ou grupo de espécies, colaborando para o aperfeiçoamento das estratégias de gerenciamento dos recursos hídricos e a conservação da biodiversidade de áreas úmidas. A fim de melhor elucidar o processo de desenvolvimento de IAHs e sua aplicação, é apresentada a metodologia utilizada para avaliar a adequabilidade do Banhado do Taim, inserido na Estação Ecológica do Taim, importante área úmida localizada no sul da planície costeira do Rio Grande do Sul.

ABSTRACT The ecohydrology aims at integrating the concepts of hydrology and ecology, creating a broader approach to understand the water resources' dynamics, facilitating the plan and management of resources. One way to integrate hydrology with ecology is by developing Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), a process that stands out by providing relevant information on wetlands. HSI is obtained by relating the information about the bioindicators and ecohydrological conditions necessary to ensure these species' survival, enabling to evaluate the impacts on them. The development of HSIs integrated with hydrodynamic modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows us to obtain spatialized habitat suitability information, that provide information about the quality of a species' (or group of species') habitat, contributing to the improvement of water resources management strategies combined with the biodiversity conservation in wetlands. Regarding this, the present article presents the HSI's development process and its application to evaluate the suitability of the Taim Basin, inserted in Taim Ecological Station, an important Southern Coastal wetland located in the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

RESUMO

Water is an essential input for any agribusiness, used for various purposes such as hygiene procedures, heat exchangers and beverage formulation. Water charging, regulated in Brazil by the National Water Resources Policy (Federal Law 9.433/97), is an important issue for the food industry, since it may change the profile of food production costs. Thus, this article aimed to estimate the price increases in the dairy industry from the use of water charging and evaluate the potential benefit of this collection, comparing it to some planned investments in basins plans. We used a case study of a dairy that produced 1 t/d of mozzarella cheese in the state of Minas Gerais. Results indicated that water charging among the basins with current collection models may vary up to 131%. The increase in price related to water charging was low (0.04-0.09% of production costs), indicating that it can be absorbed by the industry. Conversely, values collected by the basins may be decisive for implementation of several actions aiming an average quantity and quality of water, which is good for the industry, itself. In the current charging collection models in the state of Minas Gerais, it is possible to recognize that collection is a promising initiative for the economical valuation of water. However, charging still seems to lack sufficiency in safety and a rationalization for its use.(AU)

A água é um insumo essencial para qualquer agroindústria, utilizada para diversas finalidades, como em procedimentos de higienização, trocadores de calor e formulação de bebidas. Dessa forma, a cobrança pelo uso da água bruta, regulamentada no Brasil pela Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos - Lei nº 9.433/97 e leis estaduais, é um tema importante para a indústria de alimentos, uma vez que pode alterar o perfil dos custos de produção de bens alimentícios. Assim, este artigo objetivou estimar os incrementos de preço provenientes da cobrança pelo uso da água bruta em uma indústria de laticínios e avaliar o potencial benefício dessa arrecadação, comparando-a com alguns investimentos previstos em planos de bacias hidrográficas. Para tal, foi utilizado um estudo de caso de uma indústria de laticínios com produção de 1 t/d de queijo mussarela, no Estado de Minas Gerais. Os resultados indicaram que o valor da cobrança pelo uso da água bruta entre as bacias hidrográficas com cobrança vigente pode variar em até 131%. O incremento de preço obtido pela cobrança de uso da água bruta foi baixo (0,04-0,09% dos custos de produção), indicando que este pode ser absorvido pelas indústrias. Por outro lado, os valores arrecadados pelas bacias podem ser decisivos para a efetivação de diversas ações voltadas para a melhoria da quantidade e da qualidade da água, beneficiando as próprias indústrias. Nos modelos de cobrança vigentes, no Estado de Minas Gerais, é possível reconhecer que a cobrança é uma iniciativa promissora para valorar economicamente a água. Porém, a cobrança ainda parece ser insuficiente para assegurar a racionalização do seu uso.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

ABSTRACT: Water is an essential input for any agribusiness, used for various purposes such as hygiene procedures, heat exchangers and beverage formulation. Water charging, regulated in Brazil by the National Water Resources Policy (Federal Law 9.433/97), is an important issue for the food industry, since it may change the profile of food production costs. Thus, this article aimed to estimate the price increases in the dairy industry from the use of water charging and evaluate the potential benefit of this collection, comparing it to some planned investments in basins plans. We used a case study of a dairy that produced 1 t/d of mozzarella cheese in the state of Minas Gerais. Results indicated that water charging among the basins with current collection models may vary up to 131%. The increase in price related to water charging was low (0.04-0.09% of production costs), indicating that it can be absorbed by the industry. Conversely, values collected by the basins may be decisive for implementation of several actions aiming an average quantity and quality of water, which is good for the industry, itself. In the current charging collection models in the state of Minas Gerais, it is possible to recognize that collection is a promising initiative for the economical valuation of water. However, charging still seems to lack sufficiency in safety and a rationalization for its use.

RESUMO: A água é um insumo essencial para qualquer agroindústria, utilizada para diversas finalidades, como em procedimentos de higienização, trocadores de calor e formulação de bebidas. Dessa forma, a cobrança pelo uso da água bruta, regulamentada no Brasil pela Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos - Lei nº 9.433/97 e leis estaduais, é um tema importante para a indústria de alimentos, uma vez que pode alterar o perfil dos custos de produção de bens alimentícios. Assim, este artigo objetivou estimar os incrementos de preço provenientes da cobrança pelo uso da água bruta em uma indústria de laticínios e avaliar o potencial benefício dessa arrecadação, comparando-a com alguns investimentos previstos em planos de bacias hidrográficas. Para tal, foi utilizado um estudo de caso de uma indústria de laticínios com produção de 1 t/d de queijo mussarela, no Estado de Minas Gerais. Os resultados indicaram que o valor da cobrança pelo uso da água bruta entre as bacias hidrográficas com cobrança vigente pode variar em até 131%. O incremento de preço obtido pela cobrança de uso da água bruta foi baixo (0,04-0,09% dos custos de produção), indicando que este pode ser absorvido pelas indústrias. Por outro lado, os valores arrecadados pelas bacias podem ser decisivos para a efetivação de diversas ações voltadas para a melhoria da quantidade e da qualidade da água, beneficiando as próprias indústrias. Nos modelos de cobrança vigentes, no Estado de Minas Gerais, é possível reconhecer que a cobrança é uma iniciativa promissora para valorar economicamente a água. Porém, a cobrança ainda parece ser insuficiente para assegurar a racionalização do seu uso.

RESUMO

Residents of Mexico City experience major hydrological risks, including flooding events and insufficient potable water access for many households. A participatory modeling project, MEGADAPT, examines hydrological risk as co-constructed by both biophysical and social factors and aims to explore alternative scenarios of governance. Within the model, neighborhoods are represented as agents that take actions to reduce their sensitivity to exposure and risk. These risk management actions (to protect their households against flooding and scarcity) are based upon insights derived from focus group discussions within various neighborhoods. We developed a role-playing game based on the model's rules in order to validate the assumptions we made about residents' decision-making given that we had translated qualitative information from focus group sessions into a quantitative model algorithm. This enables us to qualitatively validate the perspective and experience of residents in an agent-based model mid-way through the modeling process. Within the context of described hydrological events and the causes of these events, residents took on the role of themselves in the game and were asked to make decisions about how to protect their households against scarcity and flooding. After the game, we facilitated a discussion with residents about whether or not the game was realistic and how it could be improved. The game helped to validate our assumptions, validate the model with community members, and reinforced our connection with the community. We then discuss the potential further development of the game as a learning and communication tool.

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RESUMO

RESUMO O módulo de fossa verde (MFV) corresponde a um modelo alternativo de tratamento de efluente domiciliar que considera o reúso da água em quintais produtivos, contribuindo para o saneamento rural. O presente estudo tem por escopo a avaliação de 70 unidades desses módulos instalados no semiárido brasileiro e inclui teste de qualidade sanitária dos vegetais cultivados, proposta de dimensionamento, taxa de acumulação do lodo produzido e avaliação do tempo de manutenção do MFV. O dimensionamento levou em conta o consumo de água, tendo sido avaliadas in loco a demanda hídrica para uma residência com (R1) e uma sem (R2) água canalizada. Além disso, foi mensurada a contribuição de esgoto e o coeficiente de retorno em cada caso. As amostras analisadas de tomate (Solanum esculentum), pimenta (Capsicum chinense), banana (Musa sp.) e da folha de malvarisco (Plectranthus amboinicus L.) apresentaram valores de coliformes termotolerantes inferiores a 10 UFC.g-1 e ausência de Salmonella sp., indicando que os produtos atendem aos padrões sanitários. Os consumos hídricos para R1 e R2 foram de 50 e 34 L.hab-1.dia-1, enquanto os valores referentes à produção de esgoto foram de 13,1 e 1,2 L.hab-1.dia-1, respectivamente. Isso indica coeficientes de retorno equivalentes a 26 e 3% para R1 e R2, simultaneamente, o que difere substancialmente do valor comumente preconizado (80%). O sistema apresenta baixa demanda de manutenção: remoção do lodo da câmara de digestão a cada cinco anos e três meses, em média.

ABSTRACT The green pit module corresponds to an alternative model to treat domestic sewage in rural areas, which considers water reuse in productive yards, contributing to rural sanitation. The present investigation has assessed the green pit module performance based on 70 modules installed in the semiarid region of Brazil and includes sanitary quality test of cultivated vegetables, sizing proposal, rate of accumulation of the sludge produced and evaluation of the maintenance period of the green pit module. A design method was presented, which is based on water consumption, and has been assessed on site for two kinds of homes: those with (R1) and without (R2) tap water supply. In addition, we measured the sewage contribution and return coefficient for each case. The analyzed samples of tomato (Solanum esculentum), pepper (Capsicum chinense), banana (Musa sp.) and "malvarisco" leaves (Plectranthus amboinicus L.) presented low levels of coliform (below ten colony-forming units per gram) and absence of Salmonella sp., which complies with the Brazilian sanitation legislation. The water consumption for R1 and R2 were 50 and 34 L.resident-1.day-1, whereas sewage per capita production totaled 13.1 and 1.2 L.resident-1.day-1 for R1 and R2, respectively. This indicates return coefficients of 26 and 3% for R1 and R2, respectively, which differs significantly from the usually recommended value (80%). The system presents low maintenance demand: the sludge should be removed every 5.3 years, on average.

RESUMO

RESUMEN El agua potable, como recurso limitado y escaso, debe ser estudiado desde diferentes perspectivas. Por una parte, inciden los agentes que prestan el servicio y, por otra, los consumidores. Por tal motivo, es imprescindible analizar el desempeño de quienes se encargan del suministro de agua y cómo se comporta la demanda de dicho recurso, para optimizar su gestión. En el siguiente trabajo, se describe, a grandes rasgos, cuáles son los actores involucrados en la prestación del servicio de agua en Colombia y se analiza el desempeño en la gestión de los últimos años. Además, se propone un modelo econométrico con datos de panel, donde las variables independientes, que explican el consumo, son la tarifa del servicio y el ingreso per cápita. Teniendo en cuenta estudios previos y la teoría económica, se observa que los planteamientos expuestos son consistentes. Asimismo, se percibe una mejora en los indicadores de gestión de agua en los últimos años.

SUMMARY Drinking water as a limited and scarce resource must be studied from different perspectives. On the one hand, the agents that provide the service and on the other the consumers. For this reason, it is essential to analyze the performance of water utilities and the behavior of the demand of this resource in order to optimize its management. The following work describes, in broad strokes, which are the actors involved in the provision of water service in Colombia and how their performance has been in the last years. In addition, an econometric model with panel data is proposed where the independent variables that explain consumption are the service tariff and per capita income. Considering previous studies and economic theory, it is observed that the exposed suppositions are consistent.

RESUMO

Coastal water resources are a worldwide key socio-environmental issue considering the increasing concentration of population in these areas. Here, we propose an integrative transdisciplinary approach of water resource, water management and water access in Recife (NE Brazil). The present-day water situation is conceptualized as an imbricated multi-layered system: a multi-layered water resource, managed by a multi-layered governance system and used by a multi-layered social population. This allows identifying processes of quantitative, qualitative, and sanitary conflicts between governance and population strategies regarding water supply, as well as the institutional and individual denials of these conflicts. Based on this model, we anticipate future water-related problematic fates. Concerning the water resource system, the rapid groundwater level decrease due to unsustainable water predatory strategies, and the very low recharge rate have drastically modified the aquifer system functioning, inducing hydraulic connection between shallow groundwater (contaminated and locally salty) and deep ones (mostly fresh, with local inherited salinity), threatening the deep strategic water resource. Concerning the water governance system, the investments to increase the capacity storage of surface water, the water regulation agencies and the public/private partnership should shortly improve the water supply and wastewater issue. Nevertheless, the water situation will remain highly fragile due to the expected water demand increase, the precipitation decrease and the sea-level increase. Concerning the water access system, the population variably perceives these current and further effects and the possible mitigation policies, and develops alternative individual strategies. Authorities, policymakers and water managers will have to implement a well-balanced water governance, taking into account the specificities of the PPP, public and private groundwater users, and with a strong political willingness for a sustainable water management to ensure water supply for all the population. In other words, an anticipatory and integrated vision is necessary to reduce the discrepancies in this complex system.