Underground waters in Brazil are already categorized according to their characteristics and degrees of contamination, and an indication of the appropriate use for each aquifer. According to their natural hydrogeochemical characteristics, the waters would be classified in five categories, as well as a “special class” for aquifers earmarked for preservation of ecosystems or for feeding lakes and rivers.

The National Environment Council adopted the measure on Mar. 12 with the aim of monitoring and protecting water resource quality, as decontamination is costly and slow.

Previously, underground waters were polluted without state agencies controlling the standards. “Now we will be able to promote better water resource management and zoning,” Council technical adviser Cleidemar Batista told Tierramérica.