Evolução temporal e variação sazonal das condições de balneabilidade no Lago de Furnas – Minas Gerais / Brasil

Abstract

Water quality impairment in recreational aquatic environmentsmay cause damage to human health and, consequently, increase pressure and expenses on health services, andcan significantly impact the local economy. In this context, Lake Furnas, located in thesouthern region of the state of Minas Gerais, consists of one of the largest artificial reservoirs for hydroelectric energy generation in the country, playing a considerable role in tourist attractiveness and regional economic dynamics.To this end, this work aims to assess the implications of land cover and use on the recreational water quality of Lake Furnas, aiming to contribute to the safety and well-being of its users, by the analysis ofwater monitoring data for key variables for contact recreation(E. coli, pH, Turbidity and Density of Cyanobacteria), between 2008 and 2018, in the contributing rivers. Land uses around the lake, mainly agriculture, livestock and the release of raw sewage impacted, especially E. coliconcentrations, and in its compliance with contact recreational standards. The research suggests the development and application of a monitoring and communication program for the bathing conditions of Lake Furnas, and aneffective articulation between water resources management instruments and municipal urban planning in contributing basins, in order to ensure the water multiple uses and the regional economic dynamics.