São Paulo state greenlights construction of 2 dams

São Paulo state authorized the start of works to complete construction of two dams in Campinas city that will require combined investment of 806 million reais (US$140mn).

The projects to finish the Pedreira dam on the Jaguari river and Duas Pontes on the Camanducaia river aim to guarantee more water for 5.5mn residents. Works are expected to be finished in July 2026.

The investment is coming from the state’s environment, infrastructure and logistics department and will be carried out through water agency SP Águas, a press release said.

"There were two bids, one for each dam, which had 13 proposals in total, which led to a discount of 17.5% – the planned investment was 977mn reais, but 806mn reais will actually be invested. With the signing of the work orders, the winning companies have started setting up the construction site and hiring teams," it added.

The Pedreira dam will cover 2.1 km2 and have storage capacity of 31.9Bl, while Duas Pontes covers 4.9 km2 and store up to 53.4Bl.

Three other works are also expected to improve water quality in the region. The state will invest 522mn reais in the Amparo and Monte Alegre do Sul sewage treatment plants and in a treatment unit for the Camanducaia river, along with other environmental actions.