Universal Sanitation Could Save R$25 Billion

Basic Sanitation is a crucial issue for public health and the well-being of the Brazilian population.

This article explores the benefits of universal access to sanitation, highlighting the savings of R$25 billion in health spending by 2040. With only 56% of the population currently served by sewage collection, the consequences of diseases related to inadequate sanitation become evident.

The 2020 legislation, which aims to universalize sanitation by 2033, will be analyzed, as well as the advances and challenges faced in the sector in recent years.

Economic and social impact of universal sanitation

The universalization of access to basic sanitation in Brazil has a significant economic impact, generating savings of R$ 25 billion in health spending by 2040. Currently, only 56% of the population has access to sewage collection, contributing to a worrying number of 344 thousand hospitalizations caused by diseases related to inadequate sanitation, such as diarrhea and hepatitis A, as early as 2024.

The critical challenge climate change, together with water waste, increases the need for investments in technology for monitoring and improvements in systems.

Since the implementation of the targets imposed by the new 2020 legislation, private participation in the sector has been expanded, resulting in the connection of 6.3 million from homes to treated water and 6.1 million to the sewer.

The sanitation sector has registered significant growth 20,9% in formal jobs and investments of R$ 84 billion between 2020 and 2023. By reducing hospitalizations and improving the health of the population, especially children and the elderly, who represent 43,5% of hospitalizations, Brazil not only saves on health care costs, but also improves quality of life, increasing productivity and collective well-being.

Universal sanitation, therefore, is essential to address these issues and contribute to a more sustainable and healthy future for everyone.

2024 Overview of Sewage Collection and Effects on Public Health

Sewage collection coverage in Brazil in 2024 still presents a significant gap, with only 56 % of the population accessing these essential services.

Consequently, they were recorded 344 thousand hospitalizations due to diseases related to inadequate sanitation, as highlighted in Treat Brazil.

Hospitalizations primarily impact the most vulnerable, with 43,5 % of cases involving children and the elderly.

Associated diseases include:

• diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• children and elderly (43.5 % of hospitalizations)

This scenario highlights the urgent need to advance the universalization of basic sanitation.

The new 2020 legal framework seeks to expand private participation and establish coverage targets by 2033. Only with adequate investment and efficient management will it be possible to reduce the impact of preventable diseases, protect the most vulnerable populations, and generate significant savings in public health.

The implementation of this legislation has already demonstrated considerable progress, but challenges such as climate change and water waste continue to require prioritized attention.

2020 legal framework: targets and instruments for 2033

Law No. 14,026/2020, the legal framework for basic sanitation, establishes ambitious goals for universalize access until 2033. The aim is ensure that 99% of the population has access to drinking water and that 90% has sewage collection and treatment.

To achieve these goals, the legislation promotes the expansion of private participation and intensification of inspection in the sector.

In this sense, the new framework requires states and municipalities to carry out bidding processes for the concession of sanitation services, as detailed in the ANA website.

The objective is to ensure greater legal security and attract investment.

Furthermore, the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA) plays a crucial role in standardizing and regulating the guidelines that guide the achievement of these goals, as seen in full text of the law.

Therefore, the legal framework is a vital link to ensure not only the expansion of services, but also economic and environmental sustainability in Brazil until 2033.

Results and investments 2020–2023

Between 2020 and 2023, the sanitation sector in Brazil witnessed significant advances.

New legislation implemented in 2020 boosted private participation, registering an increase in investments of R$ 84 billion, resulting in improvements to sanitation infrastructure.

Such progress is crucial to achieving the goal of universalization by 2033. During this period, 6.3 million of households benefited from treated water, while 6.1 million obtained connection to the sewage network.

This advancement not only improved the quality of life of Brazilians, but also encouraged job creation.

The sector registered a growth of formal jobs in 20,9%, contributing to the local and national economy.

The evolution is even more remarkable considering the scenario of climate change and the continued need for investment in technology to ensure effective monitoring and optimize existing systems.

Financial institutions, such as BNDES, play a crucial role, structuring projects that aim to further increase the volume of resources applied to water and sewage services so that targets are met within the established deadline.

Check out the main indicators below:

Environmental and technological challenges for sanitation

In Brazil, the climate change and water waste put increasing pressure on sanitation infrastructure.

Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, affect the capacity of urban water supply and drainage systems, requiring a quick and effective response.

Furthermore, the volume of unbilled water reflects enormous waste, compromising not only the supply but also the economic sustainability of this vital resource.

As highlighted in studies such as the studies on climate change and sanitation in Brazil, water scarcity is expected to increase, especially in semiarid regions.

Therefore, it is crucial to invest in advanced monitoring technologies that optimize the sanitation network, reducing losses and increasing operational efficiency.

The use of smart sensors and remote management systems not only increases leak detection but also improves resource allocation.

Therefore, it is imperative that both the public and private sectors join forces to modernize existing infrastructure, ensuring that access to basic sanitation is universal and resilient in the face of these environmental and water pressures.

In short, the universalization of Basic Sanitation in Brazil is not only a necessity, but an opportunity to improve public health and promote economic development.

Continuous investment and addressing challenges are essential to ensuring a sustainable future.