Açude Malcozinhado is a reservoir located in the municipality of Cascavel, on the litoral leste (eastern coast) of Ceará. Inaugurated in 2002, it impounds the Rio Mal Cozinhado and has a storage capacity of approximately 37.84 million cubic meters, making it one of the larger reservoirs in the state. The dam is listed among Ceará's significant water infrastructure projects and serves an important role in regional water supply.

The Rio Mal Cozinhado originates near the industrial area of Horizonte and flows through several municipalities before reaching Cascavel, where it empties into the sea at Praia de Águas Belas. The municipality of Cascavel promotes the river corridor as a tourist attraction, with boat trips and swimming areas noted particularly in the Águas Belas area, where the freshwater meets the coast.

The name of the river — and by extension the reservoir — traces back to the colonial period. According to local accounts, Portuguese colonizers attempted to replicate an indigenous seafood recipe but cooked a hard-shelled crab without removing its shell, producing an unpalatable dish that was discarded into the river, giving it the name "Mal Cozinhado" (poorly cooked).

Paddlers considering this reservoir should contact the Prefeitura de Cascavel or local tourism offices directly before planning a trip to confirm current access conditions, specific put-in locations, and any restrictions on watercraft use.