Saneago: risk of water rationing in neighborhoods is minimal.

Goiás 247 - Saneago presented this Tuesday (21), during a press conference, the Water Rationing Plan in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia determined by the Goiana Agency for Regulation, Control and Supervision of Public Services (AGR). Although it foresees the possibility of rotating the supply of neighborhoods served by the Meia Ponte River System, the company's president, Marcelo Mesquita, stated that he considers the possibility of this happening this year to be low. "The situation today of Saneago's reservoirs is one of supply," he assured.

According to Mesquita, it was agreed with AGR that no date will be set for the adoption of the neighborhood water rationing measure. This will only occur when the flow of the Meia Ponte River, at the Saneago intake point in the municipality of Goiânia, falls below 1.500 liters per second. The most recent measurement of the water source, carried out this Monday (August 20th), showed a flow of 4.742 liters per second, therefore well above the minimum limit set.

The Integrated Water Supply System of the Goiânia Metropolitan Region is composed of the Meia Ponte System, which serves 660 inhabitants; and the João Leite System, responsible for 508 inhabitants of Goiânia, Aparecida de Goiânia, Goianira, and Trindade, as informed by the president of the sanitation company. “I believe the chance of us adopting water rationing in August, September, or October is very low. But if it happens, it will only affect the neighborhoods supplied by the Meia Ponte system; those served by the João Leite system will not be affected,” he clarified.

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The rationing plan developed by Saneago, at the request of AGR, brings together a set of actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of the reduced flow of the Meia Ponte River, should this reduction compromise public water supply. Three types of actions are planned: structural, operational, and communication and marketing.

The main structural action is the construction of the 12-kilometer-long pipeline that will integrate the João Leite and Meia Ponte Systems, connecting the Mauro Borges and Meia Ponte Stations. The work is 85% complete, with completion scheduled for the end of this month and operation beginning on September 10th. The pipeline will guarantee an extra supply of 800 liters per second. “After completing the work, we will need time for testing, adjustments, and disinfection of the pipeline through which the water will pass,” explained Mesquita.

Also planned are improvements and interconnections to pipelines and networks, with the aim of enhancing distribution. The president of Saneago announced the installation of a Situation Room at the company's headquarters for real-time monitoring of the Meia Ponte River's flow rate and scenarios for raw water intake and treated water distribution.

The company will also work on controlling and monitoring losses through the installation of pressure reducing valves (PRVs), replacement of water meters, combating irregularities, and prioritizing the elimination of leaks. Another operational action is the automated monitoring of 100% of the Treated Water Storage Centers through the Supervisory System.

Marcelo Mesquita reported that the Rationing Plan ensures service to essential users, such as daycare centers, schools, health units, and prisons, among others. In this regard, a plan has been developed for the use of water tanker trucks, both company-owned and leased, should the need arise.

In its communication efforts, Saneago is linking the "Saving water is very simple" campaign to radio and TV stations, the internet, and social media, with messages raising awareness about the rational use of water by the population. There will also be communication on customer bills and posters displayed in public places.

"It's worth remembering that the population is already contributing. Saneago verified drops in water consumption of 7,8% in June and 7,4% in July, compared to the same months last year," it informed. To guarantee transparency and speed in information, the company will start publishing on its website, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), the flow rate in the Meia Ponte River, at the point of intake for public supply. And if the flow rate of the water source at this location falls below 1.500 liters per second, an updated list of neighborhoods that may be affected by the rationing will also be published in advance."

With all the measures planned by Saneago, combined with the inspection work carried out by Secima, the Environmental Battalion, and the Environmental Police Station (Dema), the company's president said he believes that the expectation is that the Goiânia Metropolitan Region will be able to get through the drought period without harming the public water supply. "But the recovery of the Meia Ponte Basin is essential so that, together with the Meia Ponte System, we have the necessary water security to meet the needs of the population," he emphasized.