Política de economia circular e reuso da água: diretrizes jurídicas e socioambientais para a resiliência hídrica no semiárido.

Abstract

Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanization, poses one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study analyzes the relevance of implementing a public policy for water reuse linked to circular economy principles as a strategy to foster water resilience in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Through applied research employing a qualitative approach and exploratory, descriptive, and documentary methods, a systematic literature review was conducted using scientific databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, alongside a documentary survey of regulatory and institutional experiences in Brazil and abroad. The results demonstrate that countries such as Israel, Singapore, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have achieved significant water reuse rates through robust regulatory frameworks, multilevel governance, and technological innovation, whereas Brazil reuses less than 1% of its capacity, lacking specific federal regulations and coordination among government entities. In the Northeastern semi-arid region, high distribution loss rates and climate vulnerability make it urgent to adopt integrated policies that coordinate the expansion of reuse infrastructure, incentivize circular technologies, reduce water contamination, and foster tailored research. The study concludes that a circular water economy grounded in integrated management and planning tools, as well as appropriate legal and socio-environmental regulations offers a viable and necessary path to transform water management in the region, promoting water security, social justice, and environmental sustainability for current and future generations.