Abstract

GALVAO JUNIOR, Alceu Castro. Challenges for providing universal access to water and sewer services in Brazil. Rev Panam Salud Publica [online]. 2009, vol.25, n.6, pp. 548-556. ISSN 1020-4989.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1020-49892009000600012.

The present article discusses the challenges that must be met to achieve universal access to water and sewer services in Brazil. First, the principles concerning the topic in Brazilian law are presented, as well as theoretical aspects including concepts relating to universalization and the standards of service employed. The main challenges for the universalization of water and sewer services in Brazil include the definition and establishment of public policies and designation of responsibility for the provision and regulation of these services. Despite the significant amount of resources available for universalization in Brazil, institutional issues in this sector hinder the broadening of the coverage, inhibiting the investments in sanitation infrastructure.

Keywords : basic sanitation [policies]; water supply; universal access to sanitation; Brazil.