# Santos urban drainage and flood prevention efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/santos-urban-drainage-and-flood-prevention-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-26T17:45:27.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

In Santos, São Paulo, local authorities are addressing urban drainage and flooding risks through infrastructure development and waste management enforcement.

As part of the ‘Santos Mais’ macro-drainage program, construction has entered a new phase for the Pumping Station with Gates 6 (EEC6) in the Saboó district. This R$ 153.3 million project, primarily funded by the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) with R$ 149.2 million, involves installing reinforced concrete diaphragm walls reaching depths of 40 meters to prevent soil collapse and groundwater infiltration. The station, which includes a 1,300-square-meter reservoir, will feature eight diesel-powered vertical motor-pump sets designed to mitigate flooding in the Northwest Zone during heavy rain and high tides.

Concurrently, the Secretariat of Regional Municipalities (Sepref) has intensified inspections and maintenance to prevent irregular waste disposal from clogging drainage systems. Recent enforcement actions identified illegal dumping of construction debris, cardboard, and paint cans in Vila Belmiro, as well as organic waste in the central region. 

Furthermore, maintenance operations conducted by Progresso e Desenvolvimento de Santos (Prodesan) have uncovered bulky items—including furniture, plastic sheeting, and traffic signaling equipment—inside manholes and public channels in the José Menino and Alemoa regions. Authorities warned that such debris reduces rainwater runoff capacity and increases flooding risks, with Secretary Rivaldo Santos emphasizing the need for resident cooperation to protect urban infrastructure.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Santos drainage maintenance reveals improper waste disposal

Cleaning operations in Santos discovered furniture and debris blocking drainage systems, increasing local flood risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santos-drainage-maintenance-reveals-improper-waste-disposal

### 2026-10-19: Santos authorities flag irregular waste disposal in two locations

Authorities in Santos, Brazil, intercepted illegal dumping of construction debris and organic waste in Vila Belmiro and the city center to prevent urban flooding and sanitary risks.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santos-authorities-flag-irregular-waste-disposal-in-two-locations

### 2026-09-20: Santos advances flood prevention project with new pumping station construction

The city of Santos has begun constructing reinforced concrete containment walls for the EEC6 pumping station, a R$ 153.3 million project designed to prevent flooding in the Northwest Zone.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santos-advances-flood-prevention-project-with-new-pumping-station-construction

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Cite as: Santos urban drainage and flood prevention efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/santos-urban-drainage-and-flood-prevention-efforts