Impacts of the New Legal Framework for Sanitation on Water Supply and Sewage Services in Pernambuco

Abstract

Objective – To evaluate the impacts of the New Legal Framework for Sanitation (Law No. 14,026/2020) on water supply and sanitation services in Pernambuco, considering service coverage indicators, public management, and regional challenges.

Methodology – The research adopts a qualitative and quantitative approach, based on bibliographic and documentary review, as well as comparative analysis of secondary data from the National Sanitation Information System (SNIS) and the National Information System on Sanitation (SINISA) for the years 2018 and 2023.

Originality/Relevance – The study fills a gap in regional analyses of the New Legal Framework’s effects in the Northeast, focusing on Pernambuco, and includes a comparative assessment with Alagoas, Amapá, and Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the role of regionalized concessions in achieving universalization.

Results – The findings reveal a reduction in water supply coverage (from 80.5% to 72.7%) and a slight increase in sewage collection (from 27.5% to 29.5%), along with a decrease in per capita investment (from R$ 80.94 to R$ 31.20). Despite programs such as Cidade Saneada, Águas de Pernambuco, and PROSAR-PE, universalization goals remain distant.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study highlights the need to improve monitoring systems (SNIS/SINISA) and strengthen regulatory and institutional mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of the new framework.

Social and Environmental Contributions – The research points out that the success of the planned regionalized concession, with an estimated investment of R$ 19 billion, will depend on balancing economic viability, territorial equity, and water governance — essential for achieving SDG 6 of the 2030 Agenda.