Rio Meia Ponte reaches critical water level in Goiânia

The Rio Meia Ponte has reached 'Nível Crítico 1' (Critical Level 1) due to declining water volumes near the Saneago intake point in Goiânia. On September 22, 2026, the river recorded its lowest daily flow of the year at 3,847.3 liters per second.

Despite this classification by the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development (Semad), water supply for Goiânia remains normal. The current status does not mandate immediate water rationing or reductions in intake. The city relies on the Rio Meia Ponte for 36% of its distribution, while the João Leite reservoir provides the remaining 64% and is currently operating at 83% capacity.

Authorities noted that while recent sporadic rainfall provided a temporary rise in river levels, it was insufficient to end the drought. A consistent recovery would require several consecutive days of rain. If the seven-day moving average flow drops to 4,000 liters per second or less, the basin may advance to 'Nível Crítico 2', which involves reductions in water intake for certain users.