MAD and its challenges for water governance: Reflections on the Brazilian reality

• Published in: Water security 2024-04, Vol.21, p.100159, Article 100159
• Main Authors: Empinotti, Vanessa Lucena, Garjulli, Rosana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BRAZIL; Rural areas; SISAR; Water decentralized systems; Water security
• ISSN: 2468-3124; 2468-3124
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasec.2023.100159

•MAD (Modular, Adaptive, Decentralized) water supply system prioritizes governance for equity, justice, and sustainability.•Governance challenges: decentralized models, decision-execution balance, collaboration amid power asymmetries.•SISAR in Brazil: successful community federations ensure sustainability of water supply based on collaborative principles.•SISAR challenges include water quality control, water treatment, energy costs, and creation of protective legislation. While the MAD (Modular, Adaptive, and Decentralized) water supply system emphasizes governance for equity, justice, and sustainability, there are significant hurdles to overcome. Community engagement, the differences between decision- making processes and execution, and how to promote collaborative and collective practices in the context of unequal power relations are issues to consider. The experience on SISAR (Integrated Rural Sanitation System) in Brazil provides insights into addressing some of the challenges presented before. However, it is necessary to pay attention to water quality control, water treatment fragility, managing growing energy costs, and the need for supportive legislation to protect collaborative management systems and strengthen their foundations. The overall message is that while decentralized systems offer opportunities, careful attention must be paid to these challenges to ensure successful implementation and sustainable water management.