Three decades searching for a managed recharge solution for Brazil’s invisible waters
Published in Earth & Environment and Sustainability
The Paradox of Abundance and Scarcity
Brazil holds one of the world’s largest freshwater reserves, yet suffers frequent water crises. Groundwater is increasingly used, but most wells are informal and unmonitored. MAR offers a strategic way to intentionally replenish aquifers—but remains absent from national policy.
Managed Aquifer Recharge?
Yes! Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is the intentional storage of surface water into underground aquifers for later use. Unlike natural recharge, MAR uses engineered systems like infiltration ponds and injection wells to enhance groundwater availability.
It reduces evaporation, improves water quality through natural filtration, and supports drought resilience. However, the MAR strategies are still lacking in Brazil’s water management policies.
Mapping Thirty Years of MAR Research in Brazil
We reviewed thousands of articles to identify MAR-related studies in Brazil, mapping techniques, regional applications, and research gaps to understand how MAR is being explored in the country.
Fragmented Knowledge on Aquifer Recharge in Brazil
Scientific research on MAR in Brazil remains limited and dispersed. Most documented cases are small-scale and rural, using infiltration ponds, open wells, and riverbank filtration. The Northeast and other semi-arid regions are the most studied, reflecting their chronic water stress. São Paulo, despite being the most populous state and a major groundwater user, has relatively few MAR publications so far - though research is beginning to expand.
Simple recharge techniques, like small infiltration dams and subsurface dams, are widely implemented but underrepresented in academic literature. While current studies are scattered, the growing network of researchers shows potential for stronger collaboration and integration in the near future.
A Strategy Still Missing
Although MAR offers clear benefits for drought resilience and water security, Brazil still lacks a coordinated national strategy to support its implementation. Existing policies are limited and fragmented, and recharge practices are often treated as isolated or experimental efforts.
Pilot projects remain scarce and are rarely monitored or publicly disseminated. Without clear standards, regional assessments, and integration into water governance, MAR continues to be overlooked in formal planning.
To unlock its full potential, Brazil needs targeted policies, technical guidance, and inclusive planning - especially in regions most vulnerable to climate change.
From Knowledge to Action
This review was developed by researchers from the University of São Paulo’s (USP) Groundwater Research Center (CEPAS), within Project SACRE – Integrated Water Solutions for Resilient Cities. Supported by FAPESP, CNPq, and USPSusten, the team works to advance MAR in Brazil by translating research into actionable frameworks and promoting its integration into planning, regulation, and locally adapted water management practices.
Read the Full Study
Explore the complete article at Discover Water.
Leonardo is an Environmental Engineer and PhD in Soil Science. Had a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of São Paulo, working with groundwater. Primarily focuses on pollution, environmental monitoring, water resources, water treatment, the Amazon, and science communication. Currently conducting postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
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