Water treatment in São Paulo: what is the environmental impact?

Water treatment in São Paulo is a process that takes place from the source to the taps in your home. Check out how it works.

Would you know how important water treatment is for a city as populous as São Paulo? And about the impact on the environment in this city, could you explain?

Certainly, when we turn on a faucet, we don't even imagine where that clean water comes from, or what sanitation processes it went through.  

And even less, what is the positive impact that treated water has on society and the environment.

If you haven't stopped to think about this subject yet, then follow along in this article and check out:

• What are the consequences of water pollution for the environment?
• The five water sources that supply the city of São Paulo;
• What are the positive impacts of water treatment for the city?

Now, keep reading to learn the whole process behind that very useful water you use daily.

Where does the water that supplies the metropolitan region of São Paulo come from?

Before talking about the subject, let's introduce you to the main sources that supply the capital of São Paulo. 

To begin with, let's get to know two supply systems, which are: Cantareira and Alto Cotia. 

The first stores almost 1 trillion liters of water through dams located in the Piracicaba, Jundiaí and Capivari regions. Are they:

• Jaguari;
• Jacareí;
• Waterfall and Atibainha. 

And they are part of the second system: the Pedro Beicht and Cachoeira da Graça dams, which store approximately 17 million liters of water. In addition to these, there are the Baixo Cotia, Guarapiranga, Rio Claro and Alto Tietê dams. 

Even with all these water reservoirs, from time to time, it is necessary to make the population aware and control its use.

This happens due to the absence of rain in the region, the waste of water resources by industries and the population. In addition to the pollution of rivers and lakes that leaves the water unfit for consumption.

It is in this context that treating and reusing water is fundamental for the preservation of the environment.

What are the consequences of water pollution for the environment?

It is also worth mentioning that the problem of water pollution is very old, thousands of people have already been contaminated by micro-organisms and bacteria. Including, many others, have already died due to this contamination.

It is also necessary to remember that polluted waters harm life in rivers and seas. That is, all the fauna and flora are compromised. In other words, pollution is a poison that gradually destroys the planet. 

Who is responsible for water treatment in São Paulo?

Due to the city of São Paulo being populous and industrialized, there is a large investment to treat water and thus meet the population's demand.

As a result, there are at least two steps to reversing water pollution. The first, without a doubt, is to raise public awareness. 

The second is to apply water recovery techniques and thus increase the positive impacts of this action on the environment.

In this case, the company responsible for this work is the Basic Sanitation Company of the State of São Paulo – Sabesp.

What are the stages of water treatment?

The main objective of treating water is to leave it in conditions of consumption, that is, free of contamination to avoid transmission of diseases. 

The place to carry out this process is called Water Treatment Stations - ETA. For this, after capturing water in the dam, it goes through several stages of sanitation to then be distributed for consumption. Check out!

1. Coagulation

In this first phase, the objective is to allow solid particles to remain suspended in the water. For this, aluminum sulfate is added.

2. Flocculation and clarification

In addition to the above steps, ETA filters through layers of anthracite, sand and stones. The objective, therefore, is to eliminate small impurities.

3. filtration

In addition to the above steps, ETA filters through layers of anthracite, sand and stones. The objective, therefore, is to eliminate small impurities.

4. Disinfection

Before the last stage, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite or others are applied, which serves to eliminate disease-causing microorganisms.

5. Fluoridation and distribution for consumption

And to finish, the water receives fluoride to prevent cavities in the population. After everything is ready, the distribution process for consumption begins. 

In this way, all stages of water treatment are completed. And, after this process, it will follow a complex path through a system of reservoirs and pipes, as it is ready for use.

As you can see, this treatment system directly impacts nature and people's lives. 

Did you like to know how this process happens? I hope that, after this information, you feel safer to live in this great metropolis.