Water security evaluation in small-sized cities in Paraíba, Brazil Open Access

Water security remains a major challenge in semiarid regions, where infrastructure investments do not always guarantee reliable water access. This study assesses water security challenges in small municipalities of Paraíba, Brazil, analyzing local impacts of the São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF). A multi-method approach, structured through the Driving force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model, integrated primary data from 413 household surveys conducted in five municipalities (2021 and 2024) with secondary data from official sources. Surveys evaluated water supply infrastructure, service reliability, community adaptation strategies, and cumulative economic impacts over time. Results showed a disconnect between infrastructure availability and effective water delivery. In 2024, despite increased reservoir storage, 69.08% of households reported weekly water shortages. Communities coped through cisterns, informal markets, and public water sources, disproportionately affecting low-income groups and amplifying social inequalities. However, economic indicators showed positive trends, with 61% of municipalities reporting sustained growth in cattle herds for 4–5 consecutive years and 28.57% experiencing continuous industrial growth for four years. The study concludes that ensuring long-term water security requires improvements in infrastructure maintenance, governance, and the implementation of participatory and adaptive water management policies. These insights are valuable for other semiarid regions experiencing similar water scarcity challenges.

• This study uniquely integrates the Driving force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model with citizen science to assess water security in small cities impacted by the São Francisco River diversion project.

• The findings highlight persistent water supply intermittency, despite infrastructure improvements from the São Francisco Integration Project.