3 years ago1,000+ Views
There is a water crisis in São Paulo, and that has led to people running out of water. Taps are running short, often being off for six or seven days at a time, and people have begun to hoard water when they can get it, in order to brush teeth, flush toilets and clean. Residents say that while climate change and deforestation have played a part in the demise of the water situation, it mostly has to do with poor politics, and that to me, is just sad.
From what I read before, Brazil is one of the places with the most fresh water on the planet, which means São Paulo shouldn't be facing this disaster. City officials say they might have to recommend people leave the city in order to get water--how is this the solution?

One Brazilian commented this:

"I live 250 miles to the south of São Paulo and we don't have water shortage. Various factors led to the current difficulties Sao Paulo is in. First their water reservoirs are not linked (now they gonna link them, but it will thake a year to complete the works). The biggest reservoir in the area was not used for water captation due to high polution index, clandestine sewage and lack of treatment plants. They do not re-use drain and sewage waters. 25-35% of the clean piped water is lost due to leaks and clandestine use. All this problems are old and widespread in Brazil, only the rain used to be abundant in summer, compensating for the losses and lack of interconections. The rainy season this year is not strong as needed for make up to the crisis, so they expect water shortage this winter (dry season). The news on evacuating the city were on the press, but are not considered seriously, because water rationing will be enforced officially."
It seems to me that the problem is the organization of the city's water supply, and poor planning by the government to warn people of problems to come!

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Wow. I hope it doesn't turn out to become a city where water is sold at a premium on the blackmarket.
3 years ago·Reply
I wonder how long the city officials knew this crisis was coming--surely, the leaks and other issues are not new problems in any ways.
3 years ago·Reply
A water structure is such a vital part of any large urban dwelling; how can it be ignored?
3 years ago·Reply
@yakwithalan @amog32 @nehaptel @greggr I was surprised, too, especially that I haven't heard more about this either....I"m worried it will turn into a human rights crisis because of poor preparation.
3 years ago·Reply
@drwhat Let's hope it doesn't come to that. So, no updates then?
3 years ago·Reply