Brazil's water utilities raise tariffs and replace meters in São Paulo municipalities

The municipal water and sewage authority in Vargem Grande do Sul approved a 15.46% increase in water tariffs, the first rise since 2024. The new rates, set to take effect after a 30‑day notice and appear on the September 20 bill, will raise the minimum residential charge to R$46.52, with separate amounts for water (R$29.07) and sewage (R$17.44). Commercial and industrial minimum charges will also increase to R$93.09.

In the neighboring town of Mairinque, the concessionaire Saneaqua began a program to replace more than 3,300 water meters. The replacements use high‑precision, INMETRO‑certified devices and are provided at no cost to consumers. Residents will be notified on their preceding water bill and are asked to keep meter boxes accessible to allow technicians to complete the upgrades, which aim to improve billing accuracy and detect hidden leaks.