Water pressure reduction maintained for 10 hours in SP to preserve reservoirs
The water pressure reduction in São Paulo's metropolitan area will continue for 10 hours daily to protect the reservoirs as water levels remain critically low.
The regulatory agency Arsesp (Agência Reguladora de Serviços Públicos do Estado de São Paulo) has decided to maintain the reduction of water pressure in São Paulo's metropolitan area for 10 hours daily, from 7 PM to 5 AM. This decision comes amid assessments of the hydrological conditions of the system and follows recommendations from the Committee for Water Security Integration, which includes Arsesp and SP Águas. The primary reason for this measure is the severely low water levels in the Cantareira system, which is the main water source for the region and supplies about half of the population of the Metropolitan Integrated System (SIM).
Currently, the SIM is at 50.7% capacity, but the Cantareira system is only at 38.2%. February concluded with a notably low level of 35.8% of usable volume, one of the lowest historical measurements for that month. The agency's decision reflects ongoing concerns about the prolonged drought conditions impacting water availability. Officials indicate that maintaining the pressure reduction is crucial for water conservation and ensuring a stable supply throughout the year.
Local authorities and residents alike are urged to conserve water as the city faces significant challenges in managing its water resources. Should the situation not improve, further measures may need to be considered to manage water distribution effectively during ongoing drought conditions. This critical situation highlights the necessity for sustainable water management and the impacts of climate variability on urban water supply systems.