This research analyzes the availability of surface and groundwater in the Peixe River watershed, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using advanced hydrological methods to assess water reserves, recharge rates, and sustainable extraction limits for better water resource management.
Water is life. But in regions like the Quadrilátero Ferrífero of Minas Gerais, Brazil, where mining and urban growth are surging, water availability is under pressure. Understanding how much water we truly have—both above and below ground—is essential for sustainable management. That’s exactly what a new study on the Peixe River watershed aims to uncover. Let’s break down the key findings and what they mean for the future!
Nestled in the Iron Quadrangle, one of Brazil’s richest mineral provinces, the Peixe River watershed is a crucial water source for nearby communities, industries, and agriculture. The region supplies water to Belo Horizonte, a city with a growing population and increasing demand. But how sustainable is this water supply?
The watershed features three major aquifer systems:
Using two scientific methods, researchers analyzed how much groundwater recharges the system:
The study found that in some years, groundwater extraction exceeded sustainable levels. Particularly in 2004/2005, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, and 2011/2012, over-extraction likely led to declines in groundwater levels. This pattern, if unchecked, could lead to water scarcity in the future.
On the bright side, in 2024, the granted water volume was lower than estimated reserves, meaning the situation is not yet critical. However, proactive management is essential!
So, what can be done to ensure water remains available for generations to come?
This research provides a scientific foundation for sustainable water management in Minas Gerais. With climate change and urban growth accelerating, it’s crucial to act now. Will the region implement better conservation policies, or will we face a water crisis? The choice is ours.
Watershed – An area of land where all the water (rain, rivers, and groundwater) drains into a common water body like a river or lake. Think of it as nature’s drainage system!
Aquifer – An underground layer of rock or sediment that holds and allows water to flow through it, acting like a natural water storage tank.
Groundwater Recharge – The process where rainwater and surface water seep into the ground, refilling underground aquifers. Nature’s way of topping up the water supply!
Baseflow – The portion of river flow that comes from groundwater rather than rainfall, keeping rivers running even during dry seasons.
Hydraulic Conductivity – A measure of how easily water moves through underground rocks or soil. Higher conductivity = faster water flow.
Porosity – The amount of empty space in rock or soil that can store water. More porosity means more water storage! - This concept has also been explored in the article "Unlocking Air Quality Sensing: How a Novel ZnO Sensor Tackles Toxic Gases at Low Temperatures".
Recession-Curve Displacement Method – A technique used by scientists to estimate how much water is recharging an aquifer by analyzing river flow changes over time.
Q7,10 Flow – A statistic used to determine the lowest expected river flow over seven consecutive days in a ten-year period, helping with sustainable water planning.
Freitas, A.R.d.; de Paula, R.S.; Antunes, I.M.H.R. Water Resources Availability on a River Watershed in a Relevant Mineral Province (Minas Gerais, Brazil): An Integrated Approach to Water Resources Management. Water 2025, 17, 532. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040532
From: Federal University of Minas Gerais; University of Minho.
