Spatial analysis of the vulnerability of water wells and aquifers in the Alto Tietê basin

Abstract

Groundwater is defined as waters located below ground level, which is considered an adequate source for supply, in addition to having advantages such as being a safe source in times of drought, excellent natural quality, and great storage capacity in aquifers. However, contaminating activities of an anthropic nature directly affect their quality. One way to protect groundwater is to study, assess and know the vulnerability of the respective aquifers and water bodies, which guide the most suitable areas for the installation of potentially polluting activities, in addition to enabling competent performance in terms of aquifer management, helping in taking control and protection policies and their sustainable use. Thus, this work aims to perform a digital survey, in order to determine the vulnerability of watercourses, wells, and aquifers. For this, geoprocessing tools will be used, using QGIS software and the R programming language. The safety rays and the vulnerability of the water tables will be mapped, based on kriging interpolation; the vulnerability of aquifers, through the elaboration of a map of the AVI indicator (Aquifer Vulnerability Index) and the potential for accumulation of pollution over hydrography, through the connection of stretches according to the contaminated areas upstream. Thus, it is expected that the survey will serve as a basis for new projects and research, in addition to informing society and public bodies about the region's vulnerability and risks, which can be prevented and mitigated with appropriate actions. (AU)