Açude Itans, Water reservoir in Caicó, Brazil
Açude Itans is a dam that crosses the Barra Nova River and stores 81 million cubic meters of water behind its earthen structure. The construction rises about 23 meters in height and supports the region's water supply and irrigation systems.
Construction of Açude Itans began in 1932 in response to severe droughts affecting the Seridó region. The project was part of federal efforts to secure water supplies in this semi-arid area of northeastern Brazil.
The name Itans comes from the Janduí-Tapuia language and means 'Large Shell', referencing oyster species or a body of water that once existed in the area. This reflects the deep connection between the site and the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region.
The reservoir supplies drinking water to the city and irrigates surrounding farmland used by local residents. Visiting is possible most days of the year, with water levels varying noticeably between rainy and dry seasons.
Açude Itans transformed the city by establishing its first reliable water supply system in 1936, making Caicó the first interior city in Rio Grande do Norte to achieve this. This shift made continuous settlement and growth possible in a region once defined by water scarcity.
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