Aegea/Corsan tariff hikes and Itabira sewage issues draw scrutiny in Brazil

Brazilian water concession Aegea/Corsan faced a parliamentary hearing in Rio Grande do Sul over steep water and sewage tariffs, which rank among the nation’s highest. The company has not presented a physical‑financial investment schedule for the 317 municipalities it serves. Recent tariff adjustments include a 4.68% rise in January and a further 5.76% extraordinary increase approved by the state regulator, totaling about a 10.5% lift that exceeds the year‑to‑date inflation rate. Lawmakers also highlighted a 2021 leniency agreement in which Aegea agreed to repay R$439 million to the Union for irregular payments to officials.

In Minas Gerais, the president of the municipal water and sewage service in Itabira, Valdeci, warned that improper disposal of household waste and the diversion of rainwater into the sewage network are degrading system performance. He noted that intermittent water supply alters consumption patterns and may affect future tariff calculations. The official urged residents to use the network responsibly to avoid further service disruptions and potential tariff impacts.