RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In the first days of October, for example, the Furnas reservoir, one of the most important in the country, was running at only 13.6% of its capacity. After the rains, the rate rose to 17.22%.
The situation, however, is still quite critical in various reservoirs throughout Brazil. The all-important São Paulo Cantareira system, for example, is running at only 28.2% of its capacity.
During November, three cold fronts are expected to increase the levels of the reservoirs a little more.
According to Climatempo meteorologist Josélia Pegorim, the rains in October provided a slight increase in some reservoirs and caused the water level to stop falling in others. Still, one month’s rainfall will not solve the situation.
WATER CRISIS
According to CNN analyst Thais Herédia, the risk management measures adopted due to the hydroelectric crisis, such as the increase in the power transmission capacity, together with the weather reaction, made the risk of rationing be disregarded by specialists.
Still, according to Herédia, the government opted not to alarm the population about the water crisis. The more expensive energy bill will reach everyone due to the water scarcity tariff, which charges R$ 14.20 more for every 100 kWh consumed.
With information from CNN Brasil