The Cantareira system, which supplies water to 22 million residents of the São Paulo metropolitan area, reported an increase in its water volume, reaching 29% capacity as of February 10th. This marks a significant recovery since mid-January when levels fell below 20%, raising concerns about future water extraction limitations. The rain levels have improved in February, with the system receiving 81.5% of the expected rainfall thus far, compared to only 72% of what was anticipated in January.

As part of a network of reservoirs, Cantareira is integral to the Integrated Metropolitan System (SIM), which has reported its own volume reaching 40.65%. The recent rainfall has halted further declines in water levels and has contributed to a more stable supply, indicating that while the system is still not in optimal condition, it has made progress towards recovery. This positive trend is crucial for the water security of the region, given the size of the population dependent on this water source.

The ongoing monitoring by Sabesp (the water company in São Paulo) and Cemaden (National Center for Disaster Monitoring and Alerts) highlights the importance of environmental conditions in managing water supply. As the rainy season progresses, the recovery observed in the Cantareira system is an encouraging sign for both authorities and residents, yet the need for continued water conservation measures remains a priority, given the underlying vulnerabilities in the system and the potential for future droughts.