Manaus faces severe water security risks amid Rio Negro drought

The Rio Negro in Manaus, Brazil, ended August 2026 at 24.19 meters, signaling a potentially severe receding water level. Researchers from the Geological Service of Brazil and the National Institute for Amazonian Research warn that the current ebb could become one of the three most severe in history, with levels potentially dropping to between 13 and 16 meters in Manaus.

Compounding these environmental challenges, a study by the Trata Brasil Institute indicates that Manaus faces critical water security risks through 2040. Despite being located in the Amazon basin, the city is vulnerable to climate change and the unregulated use of groundwater. The study highlights that of the estimated 27,000 active wells in the city, only 5,000 are officially registered, contributing to the risk of water scarcity.