Ubatuba and Sintra municipalities step up sewage and waste enforcement

In Ubatuba, Brazil, municipal authorities and water concessionaire Sabesp began a new phase of inspections on June 22 to detect illegal connections between storm‑water and sewage networks. Technicians will use non‑toxic smoke and, in some cases, a tracing dye to locate irregular links in the central and Itaguá neighborhoods, aiming to prevent system overloads and environmental contamination throughout the month.

In Sintra, Portugal, the municipal police together with the local water and sanitation service have intensified patrols against illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste. Recent operations have intercepted multiple instances of debris, wood, glass and sanitary fixtures being dumped near containers and road edges, and a vehicle used for such illegal disposals was seized. Offenders, both individuals and firms, are being fined under higher penalty provisions to protect public spaces and promote a cleaner municipality.