To Solve Sao Paulo's Water Crisis, Collaboration Is Key

Brazil is rethinking it's approach to water infrastructure. Brazilian think-tank Arq Futuro and Arup's Pablo Lazo give their take on the state of South America's most populous country.

1 minute read

December 4, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By ArupAmericas


Can you give your perspective of São Paulo’s current water situation?

Tomas: We are facing a drought in Brazil, and due to that we are facing a very dramatic situation in terms of water.

It’s not a continuous problem here in Sao Paulo. It’s an interruption of hours per day, or in some cases days per week, that’s playing out differently in different neighborhoods. It´s raining more consistently in the last few weeks, helping to replenish the city’s reservoirs.

The water crisis which started in São Paulo and is spreading to other cities is the result of a very grave and common problem in Brazil: the lack of urban planning.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 in Doggerel

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