Brazil implements 50% water bill discounts via Tarifa Social

A national law in Brazil, Law 14.898/2024, establishes the 'Tarifa Social' (Social Tariff), which provides up to a 50% discount on water and sewage bills for eligible low-income families. The benefit applies to consumption of up to 15 cubic meters per month, with excess consumption potentially subject to standard rates.

To qualify, families must either be registered in the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) with a monthly per capita income of up to half a minimum wage, or include a member who receives the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC). Notably, income from social programs like Bolsa Família and BPC is not included in the per capita income calculation.

Implementation varies by region. In Valadares, Águas de Valadares manages the benefit, requiring applicants to be CadÚnico registrants or provide documentation validated by local social assistance councils. In the Northeast region, the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA) monitors the progress of the policy as states and municipalities implement the rules differently.