Análise do abastecimento de água dos municípios da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Piancó com relação à seca do período 2012- 2017

Abstract

Problems related to water supply are recurrent due to several factors such as accelerated urbanization and lack of planning. The occurrence of extreme weather events such as drought is recurrent in some regions of Brazil, such as the semiarid region, and impacts supply systems, as it reduces water supply to water sources. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the impacts of drought on water supply. In this study, the region analyzed was the Piancó River basin, which is highly representative in the state of Paraíba, occupying approximately 16% of its area and carrying with it the largest reservoir in the state, the Coremas-Mãe d’Água. Based on the mapping of socio-environmental indicators, the DPSIR (Driving Force – Pressure – State – Impact – Response) matrix was applied as an evaluation framework, allowing a detailed understanding of the consequences of drought on the region's water systems. The analysis identified the main driving forces and associated pressures, as well as the impacts on water systems and the responses implemented by civil society and government institutions. The DPSIR model showed that economic development, land use and occupation, and social inequality are predominant driving forces that increase pressure on the supply system due to increased water demand for urban consumption and other sectors, resulting in availability challenges and conflicts over water use. The responses observed were varied, including emergency actions, such as drilling wells, rationing, and use of water trucks, as well as legislative measures, such as the creation of Law 13.153/15, which instituted the National Policy to Combat Desertification and Mitigate the Effects of Drought. The results reinforce the importance of proactive management, especially in relation to drought events, to minimize the need for emergency responses to water supply that impact society, especially the most vulnerable populations.