Capibaribe

Capibaribe is a river in northeastern Brazil, located primarily in the state of Pernambuco. The name is of indigenous origin, and the river runs from the interior toward the coast, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Recife and forming part of the city’s hydrographic system.

Its course begins in the Pernambuco interior and generally flows eastward across the Agreste and coastal zones before reaching the Atlantic. Along its path it traverses both urban and rural areas and has historically served as a source of water supply, irrigation, and, at times, transportation.

The Capibaribe basin covers a significant portion of Pernambuco and is influenced by the region’s tropical climate. Flow varies with the seasons, with higher discharge during the rainy period and lower flows in the dry season. In its lower reaches near Recife, the river has faced pollution, sedimentation, and ecological stress due to urbanization and industry, affecting water quality and aquatic life.

Historically, the river supported sugarcane plantations, mills, and the growth of Recife as a port city. In contemporary times, authorities pursue flood management, wastewater treatment, and watershed restoration programs to improve environmental health and reduce flood risk in the metropolitan area while maintaining the river’s role in the region’s economy and urban life.