The Guandu-Mirim River is a waterway of great importance, an integral part of Hydrographic Region II of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which also includes the Guandu and Guarda rivers. This region is vital for the supply and development of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region.
Main Characteristics
Location: The Guandu-Mirim River basin encompasses municipalities such as Rio de Janeiro (specifically the Campo Grande area), Itaguaí, and Seropédica.
Source: The main river, sometimes called Guandu-do-Sena, originates in the Serra do Mendanha, in the Gericinó-Mendanha Massif, at an altitude of approximately 700 meters.
Extent and Area of the Basin: The Guandu-Mirim River basin has a drainage area of approximately 190 km². The main river is about 16 km long.
Tributaries: One of the main tributaries of the Guandu-Mirim is the Serrinha River.
Importance: Although less well-known than the main Guandu River (responsible for supplying approximately nine million people), the Guandu-Mirim River is part of the same strategic water system for the water security of the metropolitan region.
Management and Environment
The management of water resources in the basin is the responsibility of the Guandu Hydrographic Basin Committee, which seeks to reconcile the multiple uses of water with environmental protection. The region faces environmental challenges, including the need for basic sanitation and the reforestation of degraded areas.