ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF FRESHWATER SPRINGS IN THE SOLEDADE’S URBAN AREA (RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL)

Abstract

Environmental degradation is intensifying every year, and one of the main results is the reduction of water available for human consumption. The spring’s preservation is essential for the recharge of aquifers, and to ensure the quantity and quality of water available. This study aimed to map and analyze the environmental situation of springs in the urban area of Soledade (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), using satellite images, geographic information systems, and field activity for environmental diagnosis. The methodology used was bibliographic research and action research. Mapping the springs were performed using Geographic Information System (GIS) and the GIS software ArcGIS. All springs were visited, and the environmental analysis considered the criteria: type of spring, degree of conservation, proximity to homes, anthropic access, presence of farm animals, and waste deposit. Were identified springs 31, 18 are classified as degraded, as disturbed 10, two (2)  channeled, and only one (1) preserved. The absence of vegetation, the irregular deposit of solid waste, the cultivation of exotic species (eucalyptus), the proximity of residences, the use of springs for animal desedentation, the vicinity of crops and highways, the grounding and the channeling of springs to allotment were the main factors impact the Permanent Preservation Areas of springs. It is worth remembering that water is considered by the UN as one of the priority points to ensure sustainable development, with drinking supply and adequate water being a vital resource for providing social and economic development. Thus, this study recommends that the municipality of Soledade invest in environmental education and training of managers; prioritize the definition of public policies that promote and encourage the preservation of spring areas and, at the same time, adopt measures for the recovery of PPAs. It also recommended that the data presented here be as subsidies for the planning of urban expansion through the definition of areas subject to occupation and delimitation of the territories of environmental preservation. With this measure, the municipality would be contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and positioning itself ahead of other cities that still do not perform actions aimed at this goal.