SOCIOLOGICAL, HISTORICAL, PHILOSOPHICAL, AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER USE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON AWARENESS AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Water is one of the natural resources most essential to sustaining life, economic development, and environmental stability. Despite its importance, however, population growth, rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and climate change are intensifying the challenges associated with the sustainable management of water resources. This article presents a scientific analysis based on empirical data obtained through an electronic questionnaire developed by a second-year high school class specializing in Systems Development at ETEC (Technical School of the Centro Paula Souza, São Paulo), Prof. Marinês Teodoro de Freitas Almeida School, Novo Horizonte, São Paulo, during the morning session of the 2026 academic year. Administered to forty-two participants, the questionnaire sought to understand how people in the city of Novo Horizonte, São Paulo, use water in their daily lives and their self-reported level of knowledge about this resource. The results reveal that all participants use water for domestic activities, whereas only 23.8% report using it for professional activities and 4.8% for scientific research. An average knowledge score of 3.69 on a five-point scale was also observed, indicating a moderately high level of awareness of the subject. The study interprets these results from sociological, historical, philosophical, environmental, and technological perspectives, establishing a dialogue with authors such as Émile Durkheim, Max Weber, Pierre Bourdieu, Hans Jonas, Edgar Morin, Enrique Leff, Ignacy Sachs, Leonardo Boff, and Paulo Freire. In addition, it discusses the growing importance of developing computer systems, intelligent software, and digital technologies for monitoring consumption, promoting environmental education, and formulating public policies aimed at the rational use of water. The study concludes that strengthening environmental awareness depends simultaneously on education, technological innovation, and collective responsibility.