Government of Ceará appeals to the population for the conscious use of water.
With an 8,16% increase in water consumption last month, the State Government is issuing a warning, urging the population to engage in water conservation and promote the conscious use of this resource. "We got through 2015 and 2016; we've reached 2017 with water. And we're already thinking about getting through 2018 and into 2019. And for that, we need planning and to encourage the conscious use of water," explained the Secretary of Water Resources, Francisco Teixeira.
Ceará 247 - The Government of Ceará is asking for the population's engagement in saving water and promoting the conscious use of this resource. In the sixth consecutive year of irregular and scarce rainfall, the State has managed, through management and intelligent application of the water supply system, to bring water to the taps of Ceará residents. "We got through 2015, 2016; we arrived in 2017 with water. And we are already thinking about getting through 2018 and reaching 2019. And, for that, it is necessary to have planning and encourage the conscious use of water," explains the Secretary of Water Resources, Francisco Teixeira.
The warning was issued during a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon (31). Also participating were the president of Cagece Neuri Freitas, the president of Cogerh João Lúcio Farias and the supervisor of the Meteorology Center of Funceme, Meiry Sakamoto. Data were presented that reveal an increase in water consumption throughout the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza. This was the first increase of the year, recorded in September.
The released report showed that, last month, the population consumed an average of 11,80 m³ of water per connection. This number represents an 8,16% increase in consumption compared to August, when the average reached 10,91 m³ per connection. Historically, since 2014, data from Cagece (the water and sewage company) has identified an increase in consumption between August and September. However, this year's result represented the largest increase for this period since the worsening of the water crisis.
Despite the increase observed, Secretary Teixeira highlights the importance of the savings achieved in recent months. "What we have managed to save so far represents almost two more months of water. We need to maintain this level of savings so that we can get through this prolonged period of drought," emphasizes the secretary.
When compared to last year, the average volume of water consumed per connection in Greater Fortaleza also showed an increase: "Last year, the average consumption per connection in the month of September was 11,6 m³. More than ever, this is the time to reduce consumption so that we can reach the next rainy season more comfortably," says Neuri Freitas, president of Cagece.