Quali-quantitative evidence on water quality by a governance process with payment for environmental services in a water supply watershed

For the efficient management of water and soil conservation, quality and quantity aspects must be integrated. However, there is still a lack of studies with this synergy including governance processes. The present research evaluated for ten years (2010-2019) quality and quantity aspects of a water supply source and the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) implementation to investigate public policy efficiency and its effect on water resources. We used statistical analyses for comparing means, graphical analyses (trends, time series, duration curve, standard deviation), and correlation and multivariate analysis to evaluate parameters' behavior after the PES implementation. Results showed that there was a significant reduction in turbidity, COD, and total suspended solids. Furthermore, water flow rate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and dissolved oxygen remained stable after the implementation of conservation practices, as confirmed by the multivariate analysis. Water quality index (WQI) between Good and Great and chemical and hydrobiological parameters below the maximum allowed values reflected on the water quality maintenance. Participative decision-making based on dialogue between stakeholders and trust in PES were key elements for success.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the synergy between quality and quantity aspects in water resources management, finding significant improvements in water quality and quantity through the implementation of environmental services payments. After the implementation of conservation practices, water flow rate and major water quality parameters remained stable, leading to a water quality index reaching a level between good and great.