Sabesp uses water trucks and reduces nighttime pressure to preserve water sources; below-average rainfall and temperatures close to 36 °C put pressure on the supply system
The heat wave recorded last week caused an increase of up to 60% in water consumption in some regions of the State of São Paulo and led the São Paulo government to alert the population about the need to save money. The growth in demand occurs in a period of below-average rainfall, which has caused a prolonged drought and affected the level of the reservoirs that supply the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo.
The water sources show a drop in stored volume, and the Cantareira System operates at a level considered critical, close to or below 20%. Rainfall data indicate a rainfall deficit. In November, the accumulated volume was 108.1 millimeters, while the historical average for the month is 150.6 millimeters.
Given the scenario, the state secretary of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics, Natália Resende, reinforced the importance of the rational use of water. According to her, conscious consumption should be part of families’ routine, especially in periods of severe scarcity.
As a preventive measure, Sabesp has reinforced supply in specific areas with the support of water trucks. Furthermore, since August, the state government, in partnership with the Public Services Regulatory Agency of the State of São Paulo (Arsesp), determined to reduce water pressure at night in the Metropolitan Region, with the aim of preserving water sources.
The predominance of dry weather and high temperatures have worsened the situation. The city of São Paulo recorded this Thursday (25th), Christmas Day, the highest temperature of the year, with 35.9 °C. Until then, the record for 2025 had been 35.1 °C, on October 6, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). According to the City Hall’s Climate Emergency Management Center (CGE), the average temperature measured in all stations in the capital was 35.6 °C, the highest ever recorded for the month of December since the beginning of the historical series in 2004.
The intense heat also affects Rio de Janeiro. The capital of Rio de Janeiro reached 40.1 °C this Thursday, according to the Alerta Rio system, at Guaratiba station, in the west zone. It was the hottest day since October 6, when the city recorded the same maximum temperature. According to meteorologists, the extreme heat is caused by an atmospheric blockage that makes it difficult for rain clouds to form and keeps the Center-South of the country at high temperatures.
Given the conditions, Inmet issued an orange warning of danger for the heat wave that is hitting eight Brazilian states. The alert came into force last Tuesday (23) and is valid until 6pm this Friday (26). To reduce consumption and avoid waste, the government and experts reinforce guidelines for the conscious use of water, such as reducing bathing time, reusing water whenever possible and prioritizing its use for essential activities.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
