This study aimed to evaluate the water resources in ten settlement projects in western part of the Rio Grande do Norte State. The chemical-physical parameters of waters were analyzed and the relationship between the settler and the water resources in their respective areas were determined. The results obtained showed that the waters of all settlements presented restriction for their use in irrigation, whe reas in settlements of Cordão de Sombra and Esperança the water presented chloride contents above the maximum recommended for human consumption. In diagnosing the sustainability of the agrosystems in the region, one should consider the limitation of the water reserves, since the water is a determinant factor for the success or failure of the agrarian reform under semiarid conditions.
caatinga; Rio Grande do Norte; sustainability; settlement projects
