Avaliação dos usos da água na Barragem do Apertado, Mucugê – BA

Abstract

The Hydrographic Basin of the Paraguaçu River is considered the most important in the state of Bahia, among other factors, because it has several reservoirs along the main course of its river that contribute to meeting the demands of different uses. In terms of conflict over water use, it is the basin in the state of Bahia that most demands planning and disciplining actions for the use of water resources, particularly in its upper reaches, where the Apertado Dam is located. This is thanks to the presence of advanced irrigated agriculture. The construction of the Apertado Dam contributed to the economic development of the region, through the expansion of the irrigated area - like the Pólo Agrícola Mucugê-Ibicoara -, and also with the increase of pressure on the environment, which raises the importance of carrying out evaluations aimed at verifying the sustainability of these activities, with regard to water resources. This importance grows when considering the systemic aspects – the completeness of the Paraguaçu River – and the fact that this source, already in its lower course, is used to meet a significant portion of the demand for water in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador. The definition of water use rules by the Paraguaçu Basin Committee must take into account the construction of a plan focused on the real situation of uses in order to promote a more efficient management of water resources in the area of ​​influence of the dam . Bearing in mind that the climatic conditions are beyond human control, the uses of water in the Apertado Dam need to be adapted to the current reality - living with little water availability. If urgent measures are not adopted to control these uses, the supply of water given by this reservoir will have its demands compromised in the coming years.