Twelve years after being one of the main themes of a governor's election, the fear of a water crisis in São Paulo returns to the center of the debate among candidates. The reservoirs of Greater São Paulo are at less than 50% capacity, with the main one, Cantareira, at around 33%, eight months after the system hit its worst mark since the historic low of 2014, with less than 25% during summer.
The threat has made the climate gain prominence in the electoral race and has been used as a trump card by opposition candidate Fernando Haddad (PT) to attack incumbent Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos). The impact of storms, rural fires and Sabesp's performance are also mentioned in government programs and candidate statements.
Water insecurity mobilizes voters through the fear of water shortages, reigniting concerns that had already marked the previous electoral dispute.
