Addressing climate issues is central to the future of Brazilian water resources. Mitigation and adaptation policies, such as strengthening disaster risk management, restoring ecosystems, and promoting green infrastructure, can increase the resilience of the water supply.
Over the past 30 years, Brazil has undergone profound transformations in its water resources, driven by climate change, agricultural expansion, accelerated urbanization, and pressure on natural ecosystems. Despite holding approximately 12% of the planet’s surface freshwater, the country faces significant challenges due to the unequal distribution of these resources and the growing demand in different sectors. Water supply for food and agriculture, as well as for human consumption and hygiene, has been directly affected by these dynamics.
In the agricultural sector, which accounts for approximately 70% of water use in Brazil, the irrigated area has grown significantly, especially in the Central-West, Northeast, and parts of the Southeast regions. This increase accompanies the expansion of grain, fruit, and meat production, which are fundamental for domestic supply and exports. However, more frequent and intense droughts, such as those observed in the semi-arid Northeast and Southeast regions since the 2010s, have reduced water availability in rivers and reservoirs, affecting agricultural productivity and food security. On the other hand, extreme rainfall has caused erosion, floods, and reduced infiltration, harming aquifer recharge and the regularity of supply throughout the year.
For human consumption and hygiene, the consequences of water changes are also evident. Large metropolitan regions, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, have faced supply crises in the last decade, resulting from prolonged droughts, pollution of water sources, and insufficient infrastructure. In smaller cities and rural areas, especially in the Northeast and parts of the Amazon, the population still suffers from intermittent supply, low sanitation coverage, and the risk of water contamination, which is aggravated during periods of drought.
Brazil’s water needs are growing. In the countryside, demand is driven by irrigation, livestock watering, and agro-industrial processing, amid expanding agricultural frontiers and the need for water efficiency. For human use, it is essential to ensure continuous, safe access to drinking water and to expand basic sanitation, especially for vulnerable populations.
The country’s main water supply sources are rivers, surface reservoirs, and underground aquifers. Large basins such as the Amazon, the São Francisco, the Paraná-Paraguay, and the Guarani Aquifer stand out. In the Semi-Arid region, dams and small reservoirs are essential for rural supply. In metropolitan areas, however, extraction from distant water sources and groundwater use are increasing, often without proper monitoring.
The pressures on water resources are multiple. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and disordered urbanization reduce infiltration, increase surface runoff, and contaminate waterways. Industry and hydroelectric power generation also demand significant volumes, leading to conflicts over use in already stressed basins. Climate change exacerbates this scenario, increasing the frequency of extreme droughts and rainfall and making water planning more complex.
To address these challenges, Brazil has implemented measures to conserve and integrate the management of water resources. The National Water Resources Policy, through instruments such as water use permits, water use charges, and basin committees, seeks to promote rational and participatory use. Programs for basin revitalization, reforestation of springs, protection of permanent preservation areas, and expansion of basic sanitation have been intensified.
In the agricultural sector, the use of more efficient irrigation technologies, such as drip and low-pressure sprinkler irrigation, is encouraged, along with soil and water conservation practices. In cities, investments in distribution networks, sewage treatment, and water reuse seek to reduce losses and expand access.
Addressing climate issues is central to the future of Brazilian water resources. Mitigation and adaptation policies, such as strengthening disaster risk management, restoring ecosystems, and promoting green infrastructure, can increase the resilience of the water supply. The engagement of governments, the private sector, and civil society is fundamental to ensuring that Brazil continues to leverage its water resources sustainably and equitably and is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
This post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Brazil Country Manager, Carlos Alexandre de Oliveira.
Learn More Resources
- National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA). Report on the Situation of Water Resources in Brazil – 2023.
- Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). National Basic Sanitation Survey – 2021.
- Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. National Water Resources Plan – 2022.
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). AQUASTAT – Brazil Council