São Paulo is running out of water. The Jaguari-Jacaré dam, which supplies water to more than nine million people, is almost empty. Reservoir levels have fallen below 18%.1 To save what is left, officials have lowered water pressure for up to 16 hours each day and may rotate supply cuts if the rains don’t return. Without a change, the system could reach its highest emergency level by January.
Experts say the crisis is linked to climate change and deforestation. Three years of drought have pushed reservoirs near depletion. Rainy seasons are shorter and heavy storms are more violent. When big storms hit, they cause power cuts and damage without recharging the aquifers. High temperatures and a growing population mean people are using more water, but the city hasn’t invested enough in new pipes or reservoirs.
This is not the first time São Paulo has faced a crisis. During the 2014 and 2015 drought, water levels dropped so low that residents lined up to get water from trucks. Many people hoped that the government would improve the system after that scare, but few changes were made. This time, the stakes are higher because the region is bigger, and climate change is making droughts more frequent and severe.
Some environmental groups have called for urgent conservation measures and new investment. They say São Paulo must repair leaks, expand rainwater harvesting, and protect forests around its watersheds. Without new projects, the city could see rolling water outages. Some neighborhoods are already buying bottled water because they don’t trust what comes out of the tap.
The current crisis also shows the link between water and energy. In November, a gale knocked out power and grounded hundreds of flights. At the same time, the heatwave drove up electricity demand for air conditioning, putting more pressure on the power grid. These events highlight how extreme weather can disrupt essential services.
Looking ahead, meteorologists say only light rains are expected for the rest of the year. Significant recovery of the water table may not come until early 2026. Until then, conservation and smart planning will be crucial. By learning from past mistakes and taking bold action now, São Paulo can build a more resilient water system for the future.
