Brazilian water utilities launch major debt‑renegotiation programs

The Zona Oeste Mais water concessionaire in Rio de Janeiro opened a "Feirão da Copa" promotion, allowing customers to settle overdue water and sewage bills with discounts of up to 70 % and installment plans of up to 36 months. Payments made in cash receive the full discount, while credit‑card options extend up to 21 installments. The initiative aims to regularise debts, prevent credit penalties and maintain service continuity for households.

In Porto Alegre, the municipal Department of Water and Sewage (Dmae) concluded its fiscal regularisation programme (Refis) on 1 June, attracting more than 56 000 residents to clear arrears. The scheme generated R$127 million in recovered revenue – including nearly R$34 million paid in cash – and offered reduced interest and fines during the renegotiation period. “Esse resultado mostram que havia uma demanda por condições facilitadas de regularização,” said Dmae client‑service manager Emerson Nüssemeyer, noting the programme helped families reorganise their finances while securing continued access to essential water services.