Investigating the state of rural water supply in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - a regional study on the implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.1: safe and affordable drinking water for all

Abstract: Access to clean drinking water is a human right and a necessity for life, yet many rely on precarious water sources across the world. The United Nations outlines a great aspiration in Agenda 2030 - that safe and affordable drinking water should be available for all by 2030. In Rio Grande do Sul (RS) in Brazil, more than one million residents rely on small-scale water supply solutions without conventional treatment. This study aims to investigate technical and socioeconomic aspects of drinking water supply in rural areas of RS, and discuss the main challenges and possible ways forward. Multiple case studies were performed, describing small-scale water supply systems through direct observations, interviews and document studies. The case studies were complemented by literature reviews and interviews with authorities, researchers and support organizations within RS. This study found that microbiological contamination constitutes the most common water quality concern. Issues with fluorine exist locally, and pesticide contamination may be widespread. In combination with lacking treatment, inadequate water source protection and deficient wastewater management, this poses a threat to rural water safety within RS. Lack of economic self-sufficiency, community scepticism towards chlorination, insufficient funding of water and sanitation projects, and limited technical and administrative capacity in municipalities constitutes the main socioeconomic and political challenges. Efforts are needed on all levels to ensure safe and affordable water for all in RS. These actions include technical improvements concerning source protection, effective treatment and wastewater management. Furthermore, a shift towards educational efforts, community participation, economic self-sufficiency through solidary water tariff structures, an effective enabling environment and increased governmental funding of water and sanitation is of utmost importance. Finally, all stakeholders need to join forces and work together to achieve safe and sustainable water services for all, and make sure that no one is left behind.