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Brazil drought raises concerns about World Cup water supply

This year’s drought in Brazil has left the state of Sao Paolo with its lowest-ever water level. The Cantareira water system, the largest of six in the area, has reservoirs at less than 15 percent of their normal level. Wagner Ribiero, a professor at the University of Sao Paolo, warns that if the drought continues, the Cantareira system may not able to meet the demands of the 2014 FIFA World Cup period. “Currently, the extraction and processing of drinking water has consumed about 20 percent of the water, and this can be improved. On the other hand, we should enhance industrial water usage and recycling,” Ribero explained. Sao Paolo is one of the host cities of the 2014 World Cup, which kicks off in June. Last month, more than 140 cities in Brazil were reportedly rationing water, during the worst drought to hit the country in decades.