Surrounded by sun and water: development of a water supply system for riverine peoples in Amazonia

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the historic, technical and environmental factors that influenced the development of a water supply system for small rural communities in seasonally flooded areas of Amazonia. Data was gathered from internal reports, interviews and water quality analysis. Principal factors identified included: the use of photovoltaic energy, well and rain water quality, the use of mobile equipment and floating structures, and community participation in equipment construction and management. We believe that the developed model is a possible solution to problems related to water access in remote flooded areas of Amazonia.

The sustainable development goals in two sustainable development reserves in central amazon: achievements and challenges

“…Paradoxically, Amazonian populations live in a region with water abundance, but have difficulty accessing potable water [ 12 ]. Until the early 2000s, over 90% of people in riverine communities had no piped water, transporting it from the nearest river to their homes in buckets or bottles [ 32 ].…”

“…Mamirauá SDR) has a photovoltaic pump over a floating wooden raft and a water tank on a high timber stand; rainwater is also commonly collected and used in these regions. Community residents participate in the entire assembly process (including the construction of towers and rafts with local timber) and in the maintenance of the systems, appropriating the technologies [ 32 ]. Through this system it was possible to bring piped water into households, reducing physical effort (especially for women, who traditionally performed such work).…”

“…Despite all efforts, there is still a lack of adequate water supply and sanitation solutions for the riverine people of Central Amazonia [ 32 ]. The flood-pulse of the floodplain creates complex conditions for adequate access to water treatment and sanitation solutions ( Targets 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 ); the absence of electricity also hampers the implementation of some technologies.…”

Tecnologia para acesso à água na várzea amazônica: impactos positivos na vida de comunidades ribeirinhas do Médio Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil

“…Nesse reservatório, é realizado seu pré-tratamento (remoção de sólidos grosseiros) e distribuição por canalização para os domicílios. Essa solução tecnológica foi ajustada à realidade socioambiental da várzea amazônica e por isto utiliza estruturas móveis, recurso madeireiro local, energia solar e força de trabalho dos usuários 9 .…”

“…A iniciativa foi motivada pelo interesse em reduzir a prevalência de diarreia nesses locais, considerando os diversos estudos que comprovam a melhoria da saúde em função dos investimentos em abastecimento de água 8 . Essas experiências permitiram aprimorar esse modelo para comunidades da várzea amazônica tanto em aspectos técnicos quanto na sua gestão comunitária 9 .…”