From September 21st to October 2nd, in partnership with the Municipality of Salto Grande, we will carry out the action of lowering the Salto Grande HPP reservoir to control aquatic plants. The entire operation was approved by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources in English) and ONS (National System Operator in English).

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How will it work

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Salto Grande HPP will have the water level of its reservoir lowered to the operating range between 382.50 to 382.80 meters (the normal is between 383.80 to 384.67 meters) above sea level, with the goal of controlling the overgrowth of aquatic plants that can cause accidents of our equipment and impair leisure and navigation activities in the bathing areas and near the fishing ranches.

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This work has been carried out for 16 years with a preventive character, after all, the control of macrophytes increases the flow of water in the arms of the reservoir, as well as oxygen in the water at night, which brings benefits for the survival of fish and other organisms and for the multiple use of the reservoir.

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It is important to mention that lowering the water level will not affect the reservoir's water supply system and will not interfere the generation of electricity.

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What is the role of the community?

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With this action, we hope to promote ecological improvements in Salto Grande HPP reservoir and enable communities in the region to have a cleaner reservoir for sustainable tourism activities, such as sport fishing and leisure activities. But for that, we need the collaboration of the whole community: the excess of aquatic plants on the banks will result in the accumulation of waste, degrading the local environment.

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To this end, we are producing explanatory banners and posters and sound cars informing the activity and explaining the operation in order to raise awareness and encourage the involvement of the local population throughout the process.

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The Salto Grande Municipality will provide trucks for the collection of solid, vegetable and organic waste that are collected in the vicinity of riverside properties and in public areas. This collection should take place on September 28th.

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A cleaner river just depends on us!