(11/11) The universalization of drinking water and sanitation services for environmental protection and public health

Carlos Augusto Lemos Chernicharo - CRETES​ and Lourdinha Florencio - Federal University of Pernambuco

Carlos Chernicharo, an Environmental Engineer from Newcastle University (UK), delivered a lecture on Tuesday morning during the 17th IWA Small Water and Wastewater Systems and 9th IWA Resource Oriented Sanitation Conferences, held in Curitiba-PR, at the Industry Campus of the Federation of Industries of Paraná State (FIEP). Chernicharo was a full professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and a researcher at the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) until his retirement in 2020. He is currently the Director of the consulting firm Chernicharo & Bressani and the Reference Center for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Plants.

In his presentation, the expert emphasized the universalization of drinking water and wastewater services as an essential goal to ensure public health and environmental protection in the country. He argued that achieving lasting and efficient solutions requires universal and equitable access to sanitation services, especially in underserved regions where the lack of basic infrastructure directly impacts the quality of life. "Despite significant progress, many challenges remain. Universalization cannot be seen merely as a goal but as an urgent necessity for promoting health and preserving the environment," the professor stated during his presentation.

One of the key points raised by the professor was the importance of community involvement and user awareness. According to him, the sustainability of sanitation systems depends not only on the installed infrastructure but also on active community participation and understanding of how conscious water use and proper waste disposal directly impact the environment and public health. "Without people's participation, no sanitation system can be sustainable in the long term. Awareness of the value of water, the importance of preserving water resources, and responsible wastewater use are essential to ensure system efficiency," he emphasized.

Another issue addressed concerned the need to improve and expand professional training in the sanitation sector. For Chernicharo, much of the existing knowledge is already available but is not necessarily appropriately or effectively applied by all professionals in the field. "Training needs to be expanded at all professional levels. Universities and educational institutions must be more aligned with practical needs and innovative solutions to sanitation problems," he explained, highlighting that the lack of technical qualifications in some regions of Brazil compromises the efficiency and sustainability of implemented projects.

Discussing the selection of appropriate technologies, particularly in a country like Brazil with vast regional contrasts, Chernicharo mentioned that, in many situations, choosing the wrong technology can result in high costs and ineffective sanitation solutions, harming both the environment and public health. As an alternative, he suggested that technologies should be adapted to local conditions, considering factors such as resource availability, climate, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the region. Additionally, he stressed that innovation must be a central pillar in public policies and private initiatives aimed at the sanitation sector.

Regarding environmental legislation, he specifically highlighted waterbody standards as a crucial factor for implementing water reuse projects. In areas where the natural dilution of pollutants is insufficient, he pointed to the use of flexible STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) as a practical alternative for treating and reusing water sustainably. "Environmental legislation can be a great ally as it can drive the creation of public policies focused on water reuse, especially in regions with water scarcity or severe pollution problems," he stated.

Concluding his speech at the event, he reminded the audience that, while technology and financial resources are fundamental, they are not sufficient on their own to ensure effective environmental protection and public health. He emphasized that the expansion of sanitation infrastructure must be carefully planned, with the implementation of appropriate and sustainable solutions for each region. "Strategic planning involving both the public and private sectors is necessary, with a close eye on local specificities. Funding must be well-targeted, and resource allocation should be closely monitored to ensure the expected outcomes," he concluded.