The level of turbidity in the rivers that supply the cities of the Itajai Valley decreased this Monday (6). However, tariffs are still high and there are problems with the water supply in Blumenau, Rio do Sul and neighboring cities.

Turbidity Index breaks record in Alto Vale Municipality over the weekend – Photo: Rangel Barbosa/Casan/Disclosure/ND

The most difficult situation is in Alto Vale do Itajai. On Friday (3) after heavy rains in Kazan de Ituporanga, a record turbidity level was recorded in the Itajaí do Sul river reaching 26,000 NTU (nephelometric turbidity index), making water supply impossible.

In Rio do Sul the values ​​were close to 9000 NTU, while the normal situation would be between 50 and 100 NTU. This degree of turbidity is unusual, according to Regional Superintendent of Kazan de Rio do Sul, Rangel Barbosa.

“No water treatment plant in the country is ready to treat water with such an absurdly high content of suspended solids. The mass of silt carried by the river takes longer to pass and lowers the turbidity readings,” the plumber said to the report. no data+.

This Monday morning (6), according to the engineer, the turbidity level was 1450 NTU at the collection station in Rio do Sul. The system installed in the city also serves the neighboring cities of Lontras, Agronomica, Laurentino, Aurora and part of Ibirama in Serra San Miguel.

In Rio do Sul, it was necessary to use water carriers and carry out rotational maneuvers to solve the problem in different areas of the cities served, Kazan said. In the medium and long term, according to the company, the construction of a new water treatment plant in Rio do Sul will be carried out with an expected investment of more than 100 million reais.

The situation in Blumenau

Samae Blumenau (Autonomous Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Service) reported that the Itajai Asu River had a turbidity level of 315 NTU at 5:58 am this Monday (6). ETA II, which supplies 70% of Blumenau, is running at 100% of its capacity.

Supply problems began on Friday (3) due to heavy rains in Alto Vale, according to Samae. Reservoirs located throughout Blumenau guarantee the return of water to several districts of the city.

In case of problems with the water supply, Samae asks residents to contact them through official channels. The municipality answers by calling 115 or whatsapp (47) 99997-1621.

Follow guidelines for the public to avoid wasting water. For Blumenau, a municipal decree warning about water consumption remains in force until February 16, with the possibility of a fine in case of irresponsible consumption.