Groundwater, performance and sustainability: What we heard at FENÁGUA 2026

Groundwater is critical to Brazil's water security, supporting communities, agriculture, industry and essential services across the country. As demand grows and operating expectations evolve, contractors are looking for practical ways to construct reliable wells more efficiently and responsibly.

Held in São Paulo from 11-14 August, FENÁGUA brought together groundwater professionals, drilling contractors, hydrogeologists, suppliers and technical specialists. Staged alongside the Brazilian Groundwater Congress and National Water Well Drillers Meeting, the event provided an important forum for sharing knowledge, technology and practical approaches to groundwater exploration and well construction.

A critical resource for Brazil

According to the event organisers, more than 624 cubic metres of groundwater are extracted every second from Brazilian aquifers through approximately 2.8 million wells. Groundwater supplies all or part of the water needs of 52% of Brazil’s municipalities and contributes more than R$100 billion annually to the economy (International Association of Hydrogeologists 2026).

Its importance extends across public water supply, agriculture, food production, industrial activity, mining and ecosystem health. Climate pressures, growing demand for water security and investment in water and sanitation infrastructure are increasing focus on how groundwater resources are accessed and managed

Reliable water access begins with reliable well construction. Drilling performance, borehole stability and effective fluid management all influence the long-term quality and productivity of a well.

Balancing performance with environmental responsibility

One of the most valuable aspects of FENÁGUA was the opportunity to reconnect face-to-face with customers and industry contacts we do not often have the chance to meet in person.

Across these conversations, drilling efficiency remained a consistent theme. Contractors discussed challenges including borehole stability, hole cleaning, drilling costs and overall operational performance.

Environmental impact was another recurring topic, with contractors showing interest in biodegradable products that maintain drilling performance while supporting more responsible operations.

These discussions reinforced the importance of understanding each customer’s specific operating conditions rather than taking a product-only approach. Formation characteristics, drilling methods, water conditions and operational constraints can all influence what is required to construct a stable and productive well.

Supporting better well construction

While IMDEX is widely recognised for its work in mining, its drilling fluids expertise also supports groundwater and infrastructure applications. Many of the challenges encountered in water well construction closely align with the capabilities IMDEX has developed through decades of experience across demanding drilling environments.

At FENÁGUA, IMDEX presented three solutions aligned with the challenges raised by contractors:

AMC SUPERFOAM™, a biodegradable foaming agent that improves hole cleaning, reduces air requirements and helps reduce the sticking tendency of softer clays.

AMC EZEE PAC R™, a powdered viscosifier that provides viscosity and fluid-loss control, reduces rod chatter and disperses readily in different water types.

AMC BIODEGRADABLE HAMMER OIL™, a vegetable-oil-based hammer lubricant that minimises friction and wear and helps reduce maintenance costs.

• Together, these solutions support a clear objective: helping drilling contractors maximise performance while minimising environmental impact.

Looking ahead

• The opportunity now is to build on the relationships and discussions generated at FENÁGUA. Our focus will be on staying close to customers, understanding their operating conditions and helping them address the challenges discussed throughout the event.
  
  

  This means positioning IMDEX not only as a product supplier, but as a technical partner that can support customers through the different stages of well construction.

  As Brazil's groundwater sector responds to growing water demand, environmental expectations and climate pressures, the industry will continue to seek solutions that balance productivity, well quality and environmental responsibility. By combining practical drilling expertise with proven technologies, IMDEX is committed to helping contractors deliver more efficient, reliable and sustainable drilling outcomes across the region