Exploring integrated urban water management through the Urban Water Use (UWU) decision support tool: a case study in Brazil

Authors

Abstract

Access to water is essential for human life and ecosystem sustainability. In Brazil, however, socioeconomic and regional disparities strongly influence access to urban water services, affecting the well-being and quality of life of the population. Despite laws and targets to universalize these services, the coverage levels are still below the ideal. In this context, strategic planning combined with integrated urban water management emerges as a promising approach. This paper explores the modeling of urban water systems by integrating strategic planning with the principles of integrated urban water management, using the Urban Water Use (UWU) decision support tool in a case study in Nobres, MT, Brazil. The study analyzes six groups of intervention measures in four hypothetical scenarios, aiming to achieve a pre-established vision by stakeholders, with the goal of contributing to water conservation and ensuring access to urban water services for all. The results highlight the performance of the intervention measure groups, especially those that consider the implementation of wastewater systems and strategies for rational water use, either through consumption reduction or the use of alternative sources.

Published

2026-03-12