The history of water supply in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

This work is about the history of water supply in Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil, from 1951 to 2000. It is based on papers and data gathered at Maringá City Hall, at the Council Chamber, at Companhia de Saneamento do Paraná, the local company responsible for water supply and sewage disposal, and specially in local newspapers. Also, workers and former workers of the water supply department were interviewed. The study showed three different phases of water supply development: the first one was with wells, semi-artesian wells and private networks; the second one started in 1963 with the creation of Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Maringá - Codemar (Maringá Development Company). The third one started in 1980, when the Companhia de Saneamento do Paraná - Sanepar (Paraná Sanitary Company) obtained the concession for controlling water supply and sewage disposal systems. This research also verified that, due to environmental degradation, there is a growing concern about water quality.