Investigating the state of rural water supply in rio grande do sul, brazil / Om tillståndet för landsbygdens vattenförsörjning i rio grande do sul, brasilien
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 aimed to investigate water services in rural areas of RS through case studies and interviews with authorities, researchers and support organizations within RS. Microbiological contamination is widespread, while non-compliant fluoride levels exist locally. 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. Technical and educational improvements are needed, but also substantially more collaboration between municipalities, authorities, local operators and users to develop safe and sustainable water services.