ANALYSIS OF THE JENIPAPO PUBLIC DAM IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MERUOCA IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF THE CEARÁ SEMI-ARID

Abstract

The construction of dams in northeastern Brazil to alleviate the drought in the semi-arid state of Ceará comes since the 19th century with the construction of the Cedro Dam in the municipality of Quixadá. The present work aimed to make a physical (structural) analysis of the Jenipapo reservoir located in the north of the State of Ceará. Through an on-site visit it was possible to conclude that the reservoir was built within a valley on top of the Serra da Meruoca and today presents few pathological manifestations (anomalies). It was also possible to conclude that the Jenipapo Public Dam with its water reservoir is of great importance for the residents of the region because it is used for fish farming, human supply and hunting that exists in its
surroundings due to dense vegetation. It was also possible to conclude that if the construction of The Jenipapo Public Dam had not occurred, the municipalities of Alcantras and Meruoca would today have a serious water supply problem for their populations located in the Serra da Meruoca, in addition to the Jenipapo Public Dam serving as leisure and for the activity of psychoculture.