Escassez de água na cidade: riscos e vulnerabilidades no contexto da cidade de Curitiba/ PR

Abstract

The rapid urban growth of Brazilian cities has been intensifying this past century. This accelerated urbanization diminishes the quality of life of the inhabitants creating socio-environmental risks and vulnerabilities that require complex and interdisciplinary management approach. Water is a vital and limited resource essential to sustaining life and societal development. Access to this resource in medium- and large- size cities like Curitiba, Paraná, has become increasingly insecure due to contemporary societal pressures and demands. These demands are generating risks and vulnerabilities in the water supply system. The main objective of this thesis is to analyze the causes of water scarcity and identify the risks and vulnerabilities in the system and to identify the most vulnerable and marginalized socioeconomic sectors of the population in the City of Curitiba. This analysis is approached through an interdisciplinary perspective by examining the local media, and interviewing key informants. The goal is to explore the natural, socio-ecological and technological risks and vulnerabilities associated with water scarcity in Curitiba. The focus of the investigation is 2006, when there was water rationing under a rotating water supply system amongst the different city sectors. Paraná State and Brazilian National Water Policies are explored. New integrated urban water management approaches are suggested as alternatives for managing this indispensible resource and to ensure a sustainable and equitable water supply (in terms of both quantity and quality) for all of the city’s inhabitants. Conclusions with respect to the major themes and propositions of the research and final considerations are presented at the end of the thesis.