The Cantareira System concludes summer at 43.4% capacity, the lowest level in a decade, raising concerns over water supply in São Paulo.
As summer comes to a close, the Cantareira System operates at a worrying 43.4% capacity, marking the lowest level for the season in a decade according to Sabesp's data. While this remains above critical historical contexts, such as the 34% level recorded in 2016, experts remain alarmed at the current status as summer typically sees the highest replenishment of reservoirs.
The system is currently categorized in Alert Level 3 this March, indicating that the accumulated useful volume remains between 30% and 40%. Sabesp classifies this level as concerning, given that levels below this can lead to restrictions, and potentially a special state of alert in the worst-case scenario. This situation is especially dire as Sao Paulo heads into the autumn months, traditionally a period without significant rainfall.
The Cantareira System serves as a critical water resource for the region and includes six major reservoirs such as Jaguari, Jacareí, and Atibainha situated in the Vale do Paraíba and Bragantina region. The ongoing depletion of water levels raises serious concerns regarding the sustainability of water supplies for residents and industries in São Paulo, urging a careful monitoring of resource management moving forward.
