Environment is the Means #159: Groundwater supplies 75% of cities in São Paulo and generates billions of reais annually
The radio program "Ambiente ao Ar" discusses daily environmental issues, and in this episode, host Marcelo welcomes Professor Ricardo Hirata to talk about groundwater. Professor Hirata, a renowned expert in geosciences with a long career in research and academia, shares insights on the importance of managing groundwater recharge amid climate change. He explains that groundwater is a crucial yet often overlooked resource in São Paulo, where 75% of municipalities rely partially or fully on it. Despite its invisibility, groundwater supplies drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and industrial needs, contributing significantly to public and private water resources. Hirata highlights the challenges of over-extraction and contamination of groundwater, noting that about 70% of wells in São Paulo are illegal, contributing to unsustainable water use. This situation is part of the "tragedy of the commons," where individual solutions (like private wells) lead to collective harm due to overuse and lack of regulation. The conversation also prompts a shift towards managed aquifer recharge (MAR), a practice that could enhance groundwater replenishment and ensure a sustainable water supply. Hirata is optimistic about implementing MAR to address the challenges posed by climate change and mismanagement of water resources. The episode serves to educate the public and policymakers about the critical role of groundwater and the need for better management practices.