Sanitation Challenges and Advances in the UGRHI-22 of Pontal do Paranapanema – SP – Brazil

Abstract

Objective – This study aimed to analyze variables related to sanitation—water supply, sewage, solid waste management, urban drainage, and erosion control—in the context of the Pontal do Paranapanema Water Resources Management Unit (UGRHI) 22, corresponding to the Pontal do Paranapanema Watershed.
Methodology – The research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach, based on a literature review of secondary data. The historical analysis was based on the UGRHI-22 Situation Reports for the years 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Sanitation indicators were organized into summary graphs to support the interpretation of temporal trends.
Originality/Relevance – The article presents an original approach by focusing on the Pontal do Paranapanema region, a region little explored in studies on water resources and sanitation. Its relevance is evident in the integration of technical diagnosis and practical proposals, such as environmental education and participatory management, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. By combining social, environmental, and infrastructural aspects, the text offers a multidisciplinary and innovative perspective, with the potential to serve as a replicable model for other regions with similar problems, contributing significantly to sustainable planning and improving local quality of life.
Results – Data analysis demonstrated progress in basic sanitation in the UGRHI-22. However, urban drainage and erosion control remain challenges. The results reinforce the need for integrated management and continued investment to consolidate public policies in the Pontal do Paranapanema region. Therefore, the study offers a historical analysis of the sanitation situation in the region, establishing priorities for planning and management of the river basin. Furthermore, it generates social contributions by supporting the planning of river basins to improve environmental and public health conditions.
Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study contributes theoretically by reinforcing the importance of an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to water resource and sanitation management, articulating concepts such as sustainability, environmental justice, and territorial governance. Methodologically, it stands out for its application of a historical analysis based on secondary data, organized into graphs to facilitate the interpretation of trends and understand regional challenges in context, providing support for the planning of effective and sustainable public policies.
Social and Environmental Contributions – The study presents important social and environmental contributions by highlighting the need to expand access to basic sanitation in the UGRHI-22 region, promoting direct improvements in public health and the quality of life of local communities. Socially, it strengthens participatory planning and raises public awareness of sustainable practices. Environmentally, it contributes to the preservation of water resources and the control of impacts such as erosion and pollution by proposing integrated urban drainage and waste management actions.