Proposição de melhorias para o sistema de cobrança da bacia hidrográfica do rio São Francisco.

Abstract

The raw water charge in Brazil was introduced by Law nº. 9.433 of January 8, 1997, as an economic instrument for the management of Brazilian water resources, with goals ranging from the rational use of water to the recognition of its economic value. The São Francisco River Basin (SFRB) has implemented the raw water charge since July 2010.There hasn't been changed or improvement since then. This research presents an analysis of the raw water charge system, identifying the aspects that can be improved. A simulation of the proposed improvements was performed for water users of the Submédio Hydrographic Region. The results showed that it is necessary to review the values currently used in the raw water charge system. The Public Prices Unit (PPU's) are delayed by Brazilian inflation rates, with a cumulative gap of around 30%. Different aspects - quantitative, qualitative and protection to emergency situations - are not sufficient to ensure water sustainability of the river basin, since environmental problems persist and crisis are still noticeable. Some aspects were incorporated in the simulations such as: situations of water scarcity, use priority, treatment of effluent discharged and the irrigation technology, among others. These aspects can be effective to reduce/increase considerably the values to be paid by users and can induce prevention actions and encourage the use of more sustainable technologies.