Proposal of integrated urban waters management as a strategy to promote water security: the Fortaleza case

ABSTRACT

The study proposes the use of integrated urban water-management models as a strategy to promote water security and drought preparedness. It was developed in two stages: assessment of water system’s vulnerability; proposition of the integrated urban water management model. In the first step, a flow network model was used to simulate the water system. In the second stage, the inductive method was applied after conducting an exploratory research. The assessment of the water vulnerabilities revealed a deficit in Fortaleza’s water supply in 2.56% of the simulated period and the complete emptying of Castanhão’s reservoir in 6.52% of the months. The integrated urban water management model is based on the management of water supply and water demand. In the first case, it is proposed that Fortaleza’s supply system be constituted by conventional water sources (surface waters) and by alternative sources (groundwater, rainwater, desalination of sea water). For the management of demand, it is pointed out the use of water saving plumbing fixtures and financial mechanisms. This model presents a more robust matrix of water supply sources, which increases the water security of urban centers.

Keywords:
drought; urban; management