The National Water Resources Policy and Water Management: Considerations about the Rural Context of the Cantareira System

Purpose: The National Water Resources Policy established foundations and instruments for the management of water resources in Brazil. Despite being considered one of the most advanced internationally, its effectiveness is questioned for water management in rural contexts where small users predominate. The article presents elements of water management conducted by rural landowners, seeking to analyze how these elements approach or distance themselves from the foundations and instruments of the National Water Resources Policy. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 151 rural landowners who use water resources in the context of the supply sources of the Cantareira Water Production System. The results indicate that the water sources accessed by users are the central reference that supports decisions on local water management, which distances itself from the watershed as a management unit, as proposed by law. Not based on a scientific conception, users mobilize specific indicators to determine the quality of the water consumed. Perceptions of the private domain and common good surrounding water sources do not fully align with the understanding of water as a public good. Furthermore, the notion of free access to and use of water also distances itself from any intention to charge for water in rural areas. It is concluded that the foundations and instruments of the National Water Resources Policy are not able to promote the management of water resources at the level of small sources and users, and that the perceptions and management practices of these users are far from what is established by law. The objective of the article is to present elements of water management conducted by rural landowners, seeking to analyze how these elements approach or distance themselves from the foundations and instruments of the National Water Resources Policy. Method/design/approach: The research is of a qualitative nature, of a descriptive nature, having been carried out empirical research. For the empirical research, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 151 rural landowners who use water resources in the context of the supply sources of the Cantareira Water Production System. Results and conclusion: The results indicate that the water sources accessed by users are the central reference that supports decisions on local water management, which distances itself from the hydrographic basin as a management unit, as proposed by law. Not based on a scientific conception, users mobilize specific indicators to determine the quality of the water consumed. Perceptions of the private domain and common good surrounding water sources do not fully align with the understanding of water as a public good. Furthermore, the notion of free access to and use of water also distances itself from any intention to charge for water in rural areas. Research implications: From the analysis, it is highlighted that the fundamentals and official instruments of water resources management cannot influence the water management that occurs at the level of small rural users. The main implication of the study is to stimulate reflection on the need to build a policy that takes into account elements of local water management, seeking full management of water resources. Originality/value: The study seeks to contribute to the improvement of water resources management, in terms of local management aspects. The ways of acting of rural landowners need to be recognized, understood and valued, so it will be possible to promote sustainable water management in one of the most critical contexts for water security in the country.