Law that obliges the federal government to encourage the use of rainwater and the non-potable reuse of gray water was published in the Official Diary of the Union. The water used in showers, sinks, tanks and washing machines is called “ash”.
According to Law 14.546/23, the practice must be encouraged in new buildings and landscape, agricultural, forestry and industrial activities. The norm amends the Basic Sanitation Law and originates from bill 4.109/12, by former deputy Laercio Oliveira (SE), approved by the Chamber in 2019.
Although the measure does not specify the forms of stimulus, the legal device establishes that the reservoirs destined to accumulate rainwater and gray water must be different from the water network from the public supply.
In addition, the law determines that these waters must undergo a treatment process that ensures safe use, prior to accumulation and use in the building.
bug fix
The rule also obliges public water supply service providers to correct failures in the hydraulic network, in order to avoid leaks and losses. In addition, these providers are required to inspect the supply network to curb irregular connections, popularly known as cats.
By orientation of the Ministries of Integration and Regional Development, Environment and Cities, a section that provided for the use of gray water and rain only in “less restrictive activities in terms of quality” was vetoed.
In the government’s assessment, the measure could cause water insecurity for the inhabitants of the Brazilian semi-arid region, since, in this region, it is common to use cisterns to collect rainwater for later use, including use as drinking water.
The publication of Law 14,546 of 2023 takes place two weeks after the Water Conference, promoted by the United Nations (UN) in New York.
During this event, global leaders set goals to transform the management of water resources with actions that range from smarter food choices to reassessing water as a way to boost the economy. On the occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that water must be at the center of the global political agenda. A new conference will be held in 2025 to assess the implementation of the commitments.
