Hydrochemistry of the Aquifer Systems Associated with the Rio do Rasto Formation in the Municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Water is a vital resource for sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance. In recent times, global water demand has increased due to population growth and economic development, raising concerns about the quality of both surface and groundwater. This study focuses on the urban area of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil, where the Rio do Rasto Formation—comprising interbedded red sandstones and mudstones deposited from the Late Permian to Triassic periods—predominates. The objective is to assess the hydrochemical characteristics of the aquifer system associated with this formation, utilizing data from existing tubular wells. Data were retrieved from the Groundwater Information System (SIAGAS) and the Water withdrawal permit System of Santa Catarina (SIOUT-SC), which are federal and state-level platforms, respectively, serving as sources of groundwater data in Brazil. The methodology involved hydrochemical interpretation to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative properties of groundwater through its physicochemical parameters. Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff diagrams were employed to interpret data from four tubular wells, analyzing variables such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, and nitrate. The Piper diagram indicated that all samples fall within the calcium or magnesium bicarbonate facies. The Schoeller–Berkaloff diagram facilitated the comparison and identification of distinct hydrochemical signatures based on elemental enrichment and depletion patterns. These findings contribute to a better understanding of groundwater quality in the region and underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and data collection to inform sustainable water resource management.