Ownership in times of water scarcity: are inhabitants supplied by private utilities consuming more water?

• Published in: Aqua (London, England) England), 2025-01
• Main Authors: Sousa, Cláudia Orsini Machado de, Fávero, Luíz Paulo Lopes, Fouto, Nuno Manoel Martins Dias
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2709-8028; 2709-8036
• DOI: 10.2166/aqua.2025.240

The growing public focus on water resource issues highlights the effectiveness of demand-side management in reducing water consumption, a strategy adopted worldwide. In Brazil, where water scarcity remains a concern, the 2020 regulatory framework accelerated water utilities' privatization. This study examines how the expanded role of private companies in the water and sanitation sector influences residential water consumption behaviors. Using a three-level hierarchical linear model, we analyzed per capita water consumption data from 858 Brazilian municipalities between 2002 and 2019. Results show that, on average, residents in municipalities served by private companies consume less water than those served by public providers. While rising tariffs from privatization may partially explain these outcomes, the literature offers mixed support for this claim. Nonetheless, findings emphasize the importance of state-owned water providers, which serve most Brazilians, in revisiting their water demand management strategies. Key actions could include informational campaigns and economic incentives to promote voluntary water-saving behaviors.