ABSTRACT
The metropolitan area of Recife (RMR) is facing a severe water supply shortage (up to 7 days without by 1 day with running water) due to the shortage of rainfall in the last two rainy seasons. As a consequence, it is occurring an excessive and disorganized explotation of the coastal aquifers (Beberibe, Cabo and Boa Viagem), which makes these aquifers vulnerable to diffuse pollutants. Hydrochemical studies show that the water in the Cabo aquifer are classified as sodium-chloride with sodium content varing from 8 to 300mg/L, showing a maximum enrichment factor of 75 relative to local rain water. Considering the Brazilian legislation only one sample exceeded the maximum Fe level (0,3mg/L).
