The Water Protector project, developed since 2011 in the municipality of Vera Cruz, Rio Grande do Sul, encourages the adoption of good water and soil conservation practices in the Arroio Andréas Hydrographic Sub-basin, within the Rio Pardo basin. With the participation of 103 rural producers, the project protects an area of 224 hectares, where 129 springs have been cataloged. It is the first project in the state to be recognized by the National Water Agency (ANA) as a Water Producer.

Water analyses in the region show significant improvements in quality, generating benefits for society and the local economy, and reducing water treatment costs. In 2016, the project received the 1st Prize for Best Practices from the Federation of Associations of Municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul (FAMURS).

The project proved its importance in addressing extreme events, such as the drought that affected the region for almost five years. Since its implementation, the water intake flow in the Andreas Stream has increased from 48 L/s to 95 L/s, even during the dry season, preventing water rationing. Furthermore, after the intense rains of May 2024, analyses demonstrated that the conservation of riparian forests in the program areas helped maintain watercourses in their natural beds, highlighting the importance of restoring natural resources to mitigate the impact of climate change.