Análise da situação hídrica no município de Santa Cruz/RN

Abstract

Water security is a fundamental human right, but in the Brazilian Northeast its access is hampered by administrative (public policy management) and natural (semi-arid climate) barriers. Given the scarcity of studies on the subject, it is relevant to investigate access to water in families in this region. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the water security situation in the municipality of Santa Cruz, located in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte. The methods used were the Household Water Insecurity Scale (EDIH) and a semi-structured questionnaire related to the sociodemographic conditions of the participants. The sample used in the research was the residents of the urban and rural areas of the municipality of Santa Cruz/RN. The results indicated that 100% of the households face a situation of water insecurity, with 86.53% of the population totally dependent on the public supply network. Among these residents, it was found that 66.15% have access to water, but in a limited way and with restrictions. In this context, it is concluded that overcoming water insecurity in the municipality requires the reformulation and expansion of investments in existing public policies, in addition to the implementation of more inclusive and participatory strategies, actively involving the population in the planning and management of water resources.