The Brazilian surface freshwater framework in union-dominated rivers: challenges and prospects for water quality management

Vagner Alexandre Aparecido de Souza,Denise Gallo Pizella

doi:10.5327/z2176-947820200707

Vagner Alexandre Aparecido de Souza, Denise Gallo Pizella

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5327/z2176-947820200707

Copy DOI

Abstract

The framing of surface water bodies is an instrument present in the National Water Resources Policy that aims to outline the goal of water quality to be maintained or achieved by water bodies, according to their predominant and intended uses by society. In view of the importance of the framework for water quality planning and the difficulties and possibilities for its implementation reported in the literature, this study aimed to identify them in the hydrographic basins of rivers in the Union’s domain. In this sense, it was analyzed, in the most recent Plans of the nine basins with established committees, the aspects related to the framework; and, in order to diagnose the perspectives of the management bodies on the subject, electronic questionnaires were applied to the committees of the analyzed basins and to the National Water Agency. As a result, there was a lack of framing in accordance with current regulation, namely CONAMA Resolution no. 357/05, in all situations. The main problems identified for this were: lack of fluviometric data, distribution of water quality monitoring points in the basins in such a way as to make analysis difficult, diversity of legislation applicable to the framework in the States in which they are located, water pollution, and lack of articulation institutional relationship between water management bodies, States and municipalities. On the other hand, some potentialities for achieving the framework were verified, such as the implementation of the grant for the use of water resources in all situations, the existence of charges for the use of water resources in five of the nine basins in question, and a greater interaction between the water resources management bodies, States and municipalities in two of the analyzed basins.

Highlights

The water bodies framework in classes is an instrument of the National Water Resources Policy, instituted by Law no. 9,433, of January 8, 1997, which is defined as the planning of water quality to be achieved or maintained according to the predominant and intended uses by society (BRASIL, 2005)
The framework has some methodological procedures for preparing its proposal, defined by the National Water Resources Council (CNRH) through Resolution no. 91, of November 5, 2008, which, in summary, provides stages of diagnosis, prognosis, proposals and programs for its implementation, that should include the participation of the local community, through public consultations, technical meetings, workshops, among others (BRASIL, 2008)
The perception of the PCJ Committees indicate that the frequency of surface water quality testing practiced by CETESB and IGAM are critical factors for the classification, as it would be desirable to be closer to the flow rate monitoring network

Summary

Introduction

The water bodies framework in classes is an instrument of the National Water Resources Policy, instituted by Law no. 9,433, of January 8, 1997, which is defined as the planning of water quality to be achieved or maintained according to the predominant and intended uses by society (BRASIL, 2005).The water bodies subject to classification are all those of fresh, brackish and saline waters, with five classes for fresh water, six for brackish and six for saline (BRASIL, 2005). The water bodies framework in classes is an instrument of the National Water Resources Policy, instituted by Law no. 9,433, of January 8, 1997, which is defined as the planning of water quality to be achieved or maintained according to the predominant and intended uses by society (BRASIL, 2005). The framework has some methodological procedures for preparing its proposal, defined by the National Water Resources Council (CNRH) through Resolution no. The framing proposal must be prepared by the Water Agencies and, in their absence, by the water resources management body, in conjunction with the environment body (ANA, 2013A), being the committee responsible for discussing, analyzing and forwarding the proposal to the respective Council (State or National), according to the water body domain, which should analyzed it, under possible adjustments and approved it in the form of Resolution (ANA, 2009) According to Diniz et al (2006), the creation of the National Environmental Council (CONAMA) Resolution no. 357, of March 17, 2005, represents a major step forward to allow the progressive planning of river basins through the establishment of progressive and final goals consistent with institutional and technological performance, such as society’s aspirations and availability of resources.

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion