The challenge
Despite having one of the world's most abundant natural water resources in the world, Brazil's rivers and seawaters are plagued by increasing pollution. In the rapidly growing coastal region of the state of Sao Paulo –Baixada Santista - wastewater is discharged untreated into the river and sea. Eighty percent of the water monitoring points in this region fail to meet water quality standards, affecting the living environment of the local population ever more seriously. Also, the economy is under attack. The region strongly relies on tourism, but contaminated beaches form a serious threat.

The approach
The sanitation improvement project for the Baixada Santista aims to improve and expand the sewage system, develop an environmental monitoring system and upgrade the living environment of the local population. This huge project involves more than 1,000 kilometers of sewage network, 125,000 new household sewage connections, 7 new wastewater treatment plants, 100 pumping stations. For decades, ARCADIS has been a trusted and dedicated partner in managing major sewage and water projects in this region. So, with full confidence, the client entrusted the responsibility for the overall time and cost planning and control to us. 

The result
Clean beaches to enjoy. For locals and tourists. A better quality of life. For everyone.