Sao Paulo Water Run-off and City Growth

                                                                        

 In the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, there are many hilly neighborhoods, coupled with a hefty population. In Santo Andre, my neighborhood had countless pipes that came straight out of the sidewalks and onto the roads. These pipes allow for an “open-air” drainage system. This system takes “gray” water flow right down the hills. I was walking home from the bus stop one day, and I could smell a strong soapy odor. I was able to pin-point the soap suds draining out of one of these pipes into the grooves divots on the street. I easily followed it to where it was draining into...storm drains. These typically drain right into larger bodies of water. This could easily lead to larger pollution issues.

 

As I started asking my host family and other students questions, I learned that sanitation has been a huge issue in the past, but has drastically improved. The years between 2004 - 2009 were turning points for the city’s water systems, when better water facilities were introduced. The access from different water sources and standards of water treatment improved, but the city still faces many obstacles. Change creates expenses and takes a lot of time to make improvements. 

Some of the pollution concerns include dumping of toxic liquids, industrial products, litter, and human sanitation bags on the sidewalks for collection. With rain and wind, this waste can be easily transported to storm drains and rivers that flow into oceans and lakes.

The problems associated with water pollution stem from many different causes, humans and businesses being the largest contributors. The questions that arise are: Is there a high enough importance placed on updated water treatment facilities? Is the access to clean water available? How many tons per year of polluted water run-off are allowed to flow into bodies of water? The long term effects on the environment, animal welfare and people's health must be taken into consideration. 

The other problem is that the Sao Paulo metropolitan region is huge. It is referred to as the ABCD region - Santo Andre, Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Caetano do Sul, and Diadema with many other suburban areas. There are many slums or places known as "favelas" that do not have proper piping or the access to sewage. With 20 million people in this region alone, it will take time for these services to catch up with its urban sprawl. Thus leaving environmental and human welfare on the back burner.