Análise integrada dos recursos hídricos de Cascavel - PR (2013 - 2023): um modelo replicável de diagnóstico

Abstract

Water is an essential resource for sustaining life and economic development. However, the inadequate use of water resources, exacerbated by human activities, population growth, and reduced rainfall, has compromised surface water supplies. This scenario has increased pressure on groundwater use, especially through artesian wells. Therefore, this study's main objective was to conduct a documentary survey on water availability in the municipality of Cascavel, in the state of Paraná, analyzing the influence of human activities and climate conditions on local water resources. Cascavel is the fifth most populous municipality in the state and, between 2013 and 2023, registered a population increase of approximately 111,000 inhabitants. In 2019, the municipality had the highest number of groundwater use permits issued in the analyzed period, totaling an annual flow of 235,875.19 m³. The main economic activities responsible for these concessions were: residential (27.9%), commercial (26.9%), and agricultural (26.1%). Furthermore, there was a period of three consecutive years with precipitation levels below the historical average (1800–2000 mm): in 2019 (1444.4 mm), 2020 (1149.2 mm), and 2021 (1260.8 mm). In 2016 and 2017, practically 100% of the available treated water was consumed by the population. To meet the growing demand for water supply, Sanepar is investing in studies and projects for the construction of new water treatment plants in the future. As part of the analysis, a SWOT/FOFA matrix was used to identify the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats related to Cascavel's water resources. The objective is to support public planning and propose more efficient management strategies for the sustainable use of water resources. Furthermore, the method adopted in this work may be replicable in other cities to verify water availability.