Northeastern Brazil Groundwater Project

National Groundwater Information System
(New SIAGAS)

The recent introduction of legislation affecting water resources in Brazil, and an increasing reliance on groundwater throughout the country, created the need for more efficient groundwater data management tools.  Consequently, the Serviço Geológico do Brasil (CPRM) undertook to modernize its groundwater database known as SIAGAS and turn it into a truly national groundwater information system.  

The Novo SIAGAS, as the new system is commonly called, is being developed by Waterloo Hydrogeologic Inc. under contract to PROASNE, in close collaboration with CPRM.  When completed, it will be a state-of-the-art data storage and retrieval system with easy-to-use data entry, analysis and visualization interfaces. 

In order to have the desired impact, the system must have the support of all organizations and individuals who collect and use well and groundwater data in Brazil.  CPRM is entering into agreements with all state governments and national institutions that collect well data, and a promotional campaign is set to begin in early 2004 to ensure maximum participation.  

Different levels of government will use this system to help them make informed decisions in regards to water resources, which in turn will benefit the population both socially and economically.  The general public will also have access to various components of the system through the Internet, making this a people's tool.  

The new system has three components:

• Data Entry Module
  to be accessible to all well drillers in Brazil via the Internet.  Using this module, the user will be able to enter all relevant information about new wells and submit it electronically to the central SIAGAS databank at CPRM;

• Data Analysis Module
  consisting of robust analytical software, which will be made available to specialized users enabling them to perform advanced analyses of the data, such as producing water level and concentration contour maps, temporal graphs, bubble plots, geological cross-sections, etc. These users will also be able to perform queries on the database and display or print the results;

• On-line Database and Data Visualization Module
  will be accessible to any person equipped with a computer connected to the Internet, through CPRM's web site.  From there, the user will be able to perform queries on the database, visualize lithological profiles and well construction details graphically, and retrieve data for specific wells in text form.

The current database, which covers the entire country, contains over 70,000 wells and more are being added continuously from existing records and new wells.  

Developing this system brings benefits to both Brazil and Canada.  Brazil will be left with a truly modern groundwater information system adapted to its needs, and with several Brazilian technicians trained in using and maintaining the system (two CPRM technicians spent a combined total of 20 weeks training in Canada in 2002). Canada, on the other hand, will have a marketable product which has already generated a great deal of interest amongst water managers worldwide, including the Government of Ontario which recently purchased it from Waterloo Hydrogeologic Inc.