The Impact of Social Distancing Policies on Water Distribution Systems During COVID-19: The Case of Maringá, Brazil

Effective water management is crucial for ensuring water security and addressing supply crises. This study evaluates how Social Distancing Policies (SDPs), implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced water net inflow patterns in the supply system of Maringá, Brazil. Using a limited dataset,...

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Main Authors: Bruna Forestieri Bolonhez, André Rodrigues da Silva, Juliana Gomes Costa Paulo, Carolina Fiamonzini Flores, Hemerson Donizete Pinheiro
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Urban Science
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/2/39
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Summary:Effective water management is crucial for ensuring water security and addressing supply crises. This study evaluates how Social Distancing Policies (SDPs), implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced water net inflow patterns in the supply system of Maringá, Brazil. Using a limited dataset, hourly water intake and net inflow data were analyzed across nine supply zones with distinct regional characteristics (e.g., residential and commercial areas), highlighting changes in water demand driven by SDPs and climatic variables. Results indicate an increase in net inflow in residential zones of 1.87% to 8.44%, while commercial zones experienced a decrease of up to 6.41%. Station arity tests confirmed long-term stability in most zones, with notable variability in residential areas. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the effects of temperature had the most significant influence on net inflow, surpassing the effects of precipitation and SDPs. These findings suggest that SDPs and health-related factors play a minor role in water distribution planning compared to climate variables, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that account for regional characteristics and support decision-making in resource-constrained environments.
ISSN:2413-8851